Basal Cell Skin Cancer On The Rise

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We talk about skin cancer quite often and the need to protect yourself from unnecessary exposure to the sun's harmful rays.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It mainly affects the head and the neck. The people at the greatest risk are males, people who tend to freckle easily, those with increased sun exposure or excessive use of tanning beds and smokers.

Basal cell can be treated and, although it can metastasize, or spread, it usually does not do that. It usually stays local, close to where it originates.

Basal cell cancer is on the rise in this country and it's another reason why it's important to get regular skin checks. I can't stress it enough. You need to follow-up with your physician and do what you can to get all of that proper treatment.