When should you be concerned that you might have skin cancer? Click on each of these links to learn more about different types of skin cancer. Basal Cell Skin Cancer Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in Canada. This type of skin cancer fortunately is the least dangerous but must be treated since it will continue to grow, invading and destroying surrounding skin tissue, eventually causing disfigurement.  More...   Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer in Canada after basal cell skin cancer. This form of skin cancer must be treated because the lesion may continue to grow in size, damaging surrounding tissue, and may spread to other areas of the body.  More... Malignant Melanoma Malignant melanoma is a less common but highly dangerous form of skin cancer. When found at an early stage, melanoma has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers at more than 90 per cent.  If left untreated, melanoma starts to invade into the skin.  When it reaches the blood stream or the lymphatic system, it has a chance to spread to other parts of the body and often causes death. More...   Actinic Keratosis Although actinic keratoses are not true skin cancers, it is important to have these lesions treated as they have the potential to change into squamous cell skin cancers. More...

Canadian Cancer Statistics 2005 A guide to skin cancer self-examination Check your skin once a month and have an annual check over by a family doctor or dermatologist.

02/27/2006