© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All
rights reserved worldwide. Listen to the Cancer.Net Podcast:
Protecting Your Skin From the Sun, adapted from this feature.
The warmer weather of summer often means more time spent
outdoors in the sun. During the summer—and throughout the
year—remember the importance of limiting sun exposure to prevent
skin cancer. Although skin cancer is the most common of all
cancers, most types of skin cancer can be prevented by reducing
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Types of
skin cancer There are three main types of skin cancer, which are
named after the cells in which each begins. Basal cell carcinoma
(BCC). This is the most common type of skin cancer. The basal
cells lie at the bottom of the epidermis, which is the outer
layer of skin. Because BCC is linked with sun exposure, it is
usually found on areas of the skin that receive the most sun,
such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. It may
appear as an open sore that bl