What Do You Know About the Skin You're In?

1. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
Answer                                                             True. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with about one million new cases expected in 1996. -----

2. The development of a new mole or a change in an existing one may be a sign
of skin cancer. Answer                                                             True. The development of a new mole or any changes in the size, color, shape or texture of a mole may be a sign of skin cancer and should be reported to a dermatologist or your own doctor right away.
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3. People with dark skin can't get skin cancer. Answer                                                             False. Anyone can get skin cancer. Darker-skinned people have more melanin, a brownish pigment in their skin that serves as a buffer by absorbing ultraviolet rays, thereby lowering -- but not eliminating -- the risk of skin cancer.
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4. You can't die from skin cancer. Answer                                                             False. This year 7,300 Americans will die from malignant melanoma, which is responsible for six out of seven skin cancer deaths.
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5. You have an increased risk of malignant melanoma if a parent, sibling,
or child has had it. Answer                                                             True. Your risk is increased if an immediate family member has or has had melanoma.
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6. If you stay out of the sun, you'll never get skin cancer. Answer                                                             False. Even though there is a strong correlation between ultraviolet exposure to the sun and all types of skin cancer, you can still get skin cancer if you stay out of the sun. It is important to regularly examine your skin for signs of cancer regardless of how much sun you get.
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7. Malignant melanoma cannot be cured. Answer                                                             False. When treated in its earliest stage, melanoma can be cured.
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8. Melanoma can occur anywhere on your body. Answer                                                             True. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body, even places that are not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet.
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9. Redheads and blonds are more likely to get melanoma. Answer                                                             True. Redheads and blondes have a two- to four-fold greater risk of developing skin cancer.
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10. If you were born with one or more moles, you are more likely to develop
malignant melanoma. Answer                                                             True. Most moles develop some time after birth, but some people are born with them. "Birth moles" increase a person's risk for melanoma. ----