• what-is-your-skin-cancer-iq

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop this condition in their lifetime. Skin cancer is triggered by mutations or defects in DNA, leading to cells growing out of control to form malignant tumors. Damage to skin cells can occur from a variety of sources, but most commonly include ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Certain populations, such as individuals of Northern European descent, are more susceptible to developing skin cancer as are patients with poorly functioning immune systems.

Given the rapidly growing rates of skin cancer in our country, prevention is key. Take the following quiz to find out how much you know about the causes, treatment, and prevention of this serious health issue.

Test your Skin Cancer IQ:

  • True or False

    True

1American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Cancer: Incidence Rates. Available online at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer.

2Cantwell, M., Murray, L, Catney, D., Donnelly, D., Autier, P., Boniol, M., Fox, C., Middleton, R., Dolan, O., & Gavin, A. Second Primary Skin Cancers in Patients with Skin Cancer: A population-based study in Northern Ireland. Br J Cancer. 2009 Jan 13; 100(1): 174–177.

3American Academy of Dermatology. Actinic Keratosis. Available online at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/actinic-keratosis.

4American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Cancer: Risk Factors. Available online at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer.

5Mansouri, B., Bicknell, L., Hill, D., Walker, G., Fiala, K., Housewright, C. Mohs Micrographic Surgery for the Management of Cutaneous Malignancies. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 2017-08-01, Volume 25, Issue 3, Pages 291-301,

6Mahendraraj, K., Sidhu, K., Lau, C., McRoy, G., Chamberlain, R., Smith, F. Malignant Melanoma in African-Americans. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Apr; 96(15): e6258.

7Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Prevention: Tanning. Available online at: https://www.skincancer.org/publications/sun-and-skin-news/fall-2012-29-3/tanning-risk.

8National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Risk Factors for Skin Cancer. Available online at: https://www.skincancerprevention.org/skin-cancer/risk-factors.

9American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Cancer: Risk Factors. Available online at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer.

10National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Understanding Your Risk of Developing Secondary Cancers. Available online at: https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_after_cancer/understanding.aspx

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