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Skin Cancer 101 & Screening: All for Free (Page 2)

skin cancer 101Do I have skin cancer? I wonder this often. I’ve had tons of sunburns. Moles and freckles populate my skin everywhere. Dermatologists removed 2 of them. And there’s the family history of skin cancer to consider.

But how do you know if you have skin cancer? What does it look like? Are you at risk? Find answers at UVA Health’s annual FREE skin cancer screening.

Skin Cancer’s Dark Side

None of us should ignore the risk of skin cancer. There’s the scary fact that skin cancer left unchecked can spread to your lungs and brain. That’s why we offer skin cancer screenings and brought together this Skin Cancer 101 guide.

In our myths and facts article, learn that:

  • Not all skin cancer looks the same.
  • The sun doesn’t have to be out to give you skin cancer.
  • People with darker skin can get skin cancer.

Stop Skin Cancer Before it Starts

Of course, the best treatment for melanoma or any skin cancer is prevention. You need to use sunscreen more often than you might think.

You should also consider going to the dermatologist for screenings. If you’re at all unsure what to look for, you’ll want a specialist to do a skin check from head to toe.

How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

At UVA Health, we offer the latest advances in skin cancer treatment, including treatment for the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma.

Our experts have the skills to treat even the most difficult skin cancers. Take, for instance, what happened to Marcia Oglesby. She had melanoma on her finger. Doctors wanted to amputate. Getting a second opinion at UVA Health meant she kept her finger. That’s because we had skin cancer specialists who could work with a hand surgeon to perform a successful operation.

Read our Skin Cancer 101 Posts

You have questions. Or maybe you just don’t know what you don’t know. The articles in this guide dig in. Keep reading — then make sure to share with those you care about.

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Sun Safety: 8 Myths About Skin Cancer Debunked
Prevention 8/13/2015

With UVA dermatologist Mark Russell, MD Myth #1: Skin cancer only affects people with light or fair skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Although more common in those with a fair complexion, it does not discriminate against skin color, race, age or any other demographics.…

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FDA Rules on Tanning Beds & Skin Cancer: Two Considerations
Prevention 6/26/2014

UVA dermatologist Mark Russell, MD, contributed this post. The sun is out, pools are open and summer is upon us. This may be the time that you think about using a tanning bed to get a jump on a summer tan. However, you may want to grab your sunscreen instead.…

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Skipping Sunscreen? A Skin Cancer Patient’s Story
Patient Stories 6/12/2012

Did you know? One person dies of melanoma every hour, and it’s the most common form of cancer in adults 25-29 years old. Every spring, we begin seeing the magazine articles and public service announcements reminding us to wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer. But if you’re a fair-skinned 20-something…

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