Skin cancer effects more than a million people each year in America alone, worldwide it is estimated that 10 million new cases appear each year. Experts say more than one in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in the course of a lifetime... one in 50 Americans now have melanoma.

The incidence of this type of skin cancer, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is rising faster than that of any other form of cancer. One person dies every hour from skin cancer, primarily the melanoma type of skin cancer. Here is one stat that is shocking. There are more new cases of skin cancer each year than the combined incidence of cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, and colon. The only bright light in the tunnel is, most of the things that pop up on our bodies as we age; the moles, the skin tags, etc are nothing to worry about, and they can be removed with natural mole removers or laser surgery.

American Skin Cancer Information Network says "more than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by "sun exposure", yet most people still use no form of sun protection; less than 33 percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection." The majority of people diagnosed with the melanoma form of skin cancer are "White Men over age 50."

Skin cancer is the #1 cancer that hits men over age 50, way ahead of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Middle-aged and older men have the poorest track record for performing monthly skin self exams or regularly visiting a dermatologist. They are also the least likely individual to detect a melanoma in its early stages. While this type of skin cancer is uncommon in African-Americans, Asians, and Latinos, it is most deadly for these populations.

Melanoma also kills more young women under the age of 40 than any other cancer. In the past thirty years, skin cancer has tripled in women in America. The incidence of melanoma is increasing so rapidly in women that it is now the most common cancer in young women aged 25-29, and second only to breast cancer in women aged 30-34.

New research out on skin cancer and its causes revealed that one type of ray - the "UVA" causes more genetic damage than the other"UVB" rays. These UVB rays harm skin cells where most skin cancers arise – the keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. The UVB rays tend to cause damage in more superficial epidermal layers.

Early melanomas may be found when a pre-existing mole changes slightly--such as forming a new black area. Other frequent findings are newly formed fine scales or itching in a mole. In more advanced melanoma, the texture of the mole may change. For example, it may become hard or lumpy. Although melanomas may feel different and more advanced tumors may itch, ooze, or bleed, melanomas usually do not cause pain.

Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated when the tumor is thin and has not deeply invaded the skin. However, if a melanoma is not removed at its early stages, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface, invading healthy tissue. When a melanoma becomes thick and deep, the disease often spreads to other parts of the body and is difficult to control.

A skin examination is often part of a routine checkup by a doctor, nurse specialist, or nurse practitioner. People also can check their own skin for new growths or other changes. (The How to Do a Skin Self-Exam section has a simple guide on how to do a skin self-exam.) Changes in the skin or a mole should be reported to the doctor or nurse without delay. The person may be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin.

People who have had melanoma have a high risk of developing a new melanoma. Also, those with relatives who have had this disease have an increased risk. Doctors may advise people at risk to check their skin regularly and to have regular skin exams by a doctor or nurse specialist.

Some people have certain abnormal-looking moles, called dysplastic nevi or atypical moles, that may be more likely than normal moles to develop into melanoma. Most people with dysplastic nevi have just a few of these abnormal moles; others have many. They and their doctor should examine these moles regularly to watch for changes.* (*Additional information about moles and dysplastic nevi and melanoma risk is available in the NCI booklet What You Need To Know About™ Moles and Dysplastic Nevi.)

Dysplastic nevi often look very much like melanoma. Doctors with special training in skin diseases are in the best position to decide whether an abnormal-looking mole should be closely watched or should be removed and checked for cancer.

In some families, many members have a large number of dysplastic nevi, and some have had melanoma. Members of these families have a very high risk for melanoma. Doctors often recommend that they have frequent checkups (every 3 to 6 months) so that any problems can be detected early. The doctor may take pictures of a person's skin to help in detecting any changes that occur.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

If the doctor suspects that a spot on the skin is melanoma, the patient will need to have a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to make a definite diagnosis. In this procedure, the doctor tries to remove all of the suspicious-looking growth. If the growth is too large to be removed entirely, the doctor removes a sample of the tissue. A biopsy can usually be done in the doctor's office using a local anesthetic. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Sometimes it is helpful for more than one pathologist to look at the tissue to determine whether melanoma is present.

A person who needs a biopsy may want to ask the doctor some of the following questions:

• Why do I need to have a biopsy?
• How long will it take? Will it hurt?
• Will the entire tumor be removed?
• What side effects can I expect?
• How soon will I know the results?
• If I do have cancer, who will talk with me about treatment?

If melanoma is found, the doctor needs to learn the extent, or stage, of the disease before planning treatment. The treatment plan takes into account the location and thickness of the tumor, how deeply the melanoma has invaded the skin, and whether melanoma cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Removal of nearby lymph nodes for examination under a microscope is sometimes necessary. (Such surgery may be considered part of the treatment because removing cancerous lymph nodes may help control the disease.) The doctor also does a careful physical exam and, depending on the thickness of the tumor, may order chest x-rays; blood tests; and scans of the liver, bones, and brain.

If you do not have skin cancer, and your doctor tells you that your mole or wart is NOT CANCEROUS, you can have your doctor remove it with a scalpel or laser; or better yet, you can easily remove it with all natural DermaTend.

DermaTend™mole remover takes off moles fast. If it does not deliver everything we say it is, simply send it back and I will give you a prompt, courteous refund -- no questions asked.

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Today when you order a Dermatend mole removal kit, you get a 1/2 ounce jar of NeoBiotic "All-Natural" Antibiotic Ointment. Use it on cuts, scrapes, burns, acne, diaper rash, and to reduce the chance of scarring after your mole comes off! Its valued at $24.95 - AND IT COMES WITH EVERY DERMATEND MOLE REMOVAL KIT!