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Community Health Outreach and Education

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is preventable. Learn how.

Types of Skin Cancer Warning Signs Lower Your Risk Screening Contact Us

According to the American Cancer Society, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but early detection is key to successful treatment.

The Five Types of Skin Cancer

Not all skin cancers are created equal. The following are the five main types:

  • Basal and squamous cell skin cancer.
  • Melanoma skin cancer.
  • Merkel cell skin cancer.
  • Lymphoma of the skin.
  • Kaposi sarcoma.

Warning Signs

The most important warning sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that changes in size, shape or color. Remember the ABCDE rule:

  • Asymmetry: one half of the mole or birthmark does not match the other.
  • Border: edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
  • Color: color is not the same all over; may include different shades of brown or black sometimes with patches of pink, red, white or blue.
  • Diameter: spot larger than 6 millimeters (about ¼ inch)
  • Evolving: mole changes in size, shape or color.

    If you notice any of the above warning signs, consider talking to a skin cancer specialist.

    Also look for:

    • A sore that doesn’t heal.
    • Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin.
    • Redness or new swelling beyond the border of the mole.
    • Itchiness, tenderness or pain.
    • Scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a lump or bump.
    • Any kind of mole that you are unsure of.
        Concerned About a Spot?

        Early detection is crucial for successful skin cancer treatment. If you notice a new or changing mole, freckle, or unusual growth on your skin, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a ChristianaCare skin cancer specialist. Our team of experienced skin cancer physicians offers comprehensive diagnosis and a wide range of skin cancer treatment options to ensure the best possible outcome.

        To learn more, call 302-623-4661 or visit:

        1. Protect Your Skin Delaware 
        2. American Cancer Society — Skin Cancer
        3. Skin Cancer Foundation

        Click here to find a skin cancer doctor or call us at 1-800-693-CARE.

        Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk

        Delaware’s beautiful beaches offer endless sunshine, but it’s important to enjoy them safely. The following are some tips on how to do just that:

        • Protect yourself from ultraviolet rays from the sun and avoid tanning beds.
        • Use water-resistant sunscreen (and reapply often!); wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing.
        • Check your skin for new growths, changes in a mole or a sore that won’t heal.
        • Check your own skin regularly — know what is normal for you — and talk with your doctor about whether you need a skin exam as part of your routine health checkup, especially if you are at higher risk of melanoma skin cancer.

        Screening for Life and Health Care Connection

        Don’t let lack of insurance or copays keep you from getting screened!

        Screening for Life and the Health Care Connection provide payment for cancer screening tests recommended by your doctor if you meet age, income and insurance guidelines. These programs are a cooperative effort of the Delaware Division of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Health Care Connection simplifies the eligibility screening process to help uninsured Delawareans access primary care and medical specialists, disease prevention services (such as skin cancer screenings); and it helps ensure access to prescription programs, laboratory services and radiology services.

        Doctor dermatologist examines skin of patient

        To learn more, call 302-623-4661 or visit Screening For Life or the Health Care Connection & Voluntary Initiative Program.

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        Contact Us

        Community Health Outreach and Education Program

        Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute
        4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road,
        Newark, DE 19713

        community-outreach@christianacare.org

        Get directions and find out more
        Call 302-623-4661