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Page 18 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com Skin cancer- abnormal cell changes in the outer layer of skin -- is by far the most common cancer in the world. It can usually be cured, but the disease is a major health concern because it affects so many people. About half of fair-skinned people who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun and ultraviolet rays can prevent most. Every malignant skin tumor will, over time, show up on the skin's surface. That makes this the only type of cancer that is almost always found in its early, curable stages. Types of Skin Cancer Skin cancers fall into two major categories: melanoma and nonmelanoma. The most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are nonmelanomas and rarely life threatening. They grow slowly, seldom spread beyond the skin, are easily found, and usually are cured. Basal cell carcinoma, which accounts for nearly 3 out of 4 skin cancers, is the slowest growing. Squamous cell carcinoma is somewhat more aggressive and more inclined to spread. A rare nonmelanoma is Kaposi's sarcoma, notable for its purple growths. It's related to a weak immune system and can be more serious. People with AIDS and the elderly tend to get it. Some noncancerous skin growths could become cancerous. The most common are actinic keratosis -- crusty, reddish patches on sun-exposed skin that may scratch off but grow back. The other type of skin cancer, melanoma, is a potentially aggressive, life-threatening cancer. It can start in dark skin tissue, such as a mole or birthmark, as well as in normally What Is Skin Cancer? By Stephanie S. Gardner, MD