By Dr Derrick Aw, Consultant, University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital.

When we think of skin cancer, we often think that only Caucasians with fair skin are prone to it. However, skin cancer is actually the seventh most common cancer in males (eighth for females) in Singapore.

The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. All three are related to cumulative effects of sun exposure, and hence are most frequently found on sun-exposed areas of the body in older people, particularly those between age 50 to 70.

How does skin cancer develop?

Cancer arises from an unchecked growth of cells that have become abnormal for some reason.

When cancer occurs on the skin, it may be the direct result of the abnormal skin cells, or due to ?spread? from another primary source of cancer (such as skin elsewhere or an internal organ).