Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and typically develops on the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands and legs. Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, most often from sun exposure. But can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.

Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones including darker skin tones. Early detection of suspicious changes in the skin will help the chances for successful treatment.

There are three main types of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma typically occurs in the neck or face and may appear as a pearly bump, a flat, flesh-colored or scar-like lesion, or a bleeding/scabbing sore that heals and returns.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually occurs on the face, ears and hands and may appear as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with scaly or crusted surface. Dark skin toned people are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas that are not exposed to the sun.