A 40-year-old member asked:
what populations are most affected by skin cancer?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Myron Arlenanswered
Surgical Oncology 64 years experience
Sun exposure: People exposed to excessive sun exxposure can be found to have a higher incidence of skin malignancies. This is true in Australia where there is also an opening in the ozone layer. Persons receiving sun and wind such a sailors on ships also have a higher incidence of facial skin malignancies
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 30-year-old member asked:
How can skin cancer be treated?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Yananswered
Plastic Surgery 20 years experience
Usually surgery: Most skin cancers are treated initially with surgical excision. In some cases, depending on the type of tumor, other modalities may be employed. These include radiation, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, and others.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Is skin cancer hereditary?
6 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mike Bowmananswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 19 years experience
Can be: There can be a family component to many cancers including skin cancers. This should not be taken lightly. Sun exposure is another large risk factor for skin cancer. The two together can be very dangerous. If you have a strong family history, lots of sun exposure, or any enlarging skin lesions, be evaluated by your local doctor and/or dermatologist.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 42-year-old member asked:
What causes skin cancer?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mike Bowmananswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 19 years experience
Sun damage, Genetics: There can be a family component to many cancers including skin cancers. This should not be taken lightly. Sun exposure is another large risk factor for skin cancer. The two together can be very dangerous. If you have a strong family history, lots of sun exposure, or any enlarging skin lesions, be evaluated by your local doctor and/or dermatologist.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 45-year-old member asked:
How does skin cancer begin?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mike Bowmananswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 19 years experience
Sun damage: With rare exception, most skin cancers are caused by sun damage. Any new skin bump which is new, enlarging, and changing is concerning. The older you are, and the more sun exposure you have had, the higher the risk of skin cancer. Melanomas risk is remembered as abcd: asymmetry, irregular borders, irregular coloration, diameter >6mm. If in doubt, have it check out by your doctor.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 36-year-old member asked:
Is skin cancer hereditary in any way?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Voronanswered
Dermatology 51 years experience
See below: The three common types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, all have a hereditary component.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jan 26, 2015
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