Arizona Summer Wildcat

Arizona has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the United States, but many are unaware of the risk or that free screenings are available.

Everyone in the Southwest needs to be screened yearly, said Holly Avey, health educator for University of Arizona Health Promotion and Preventive Services.

"Every time you have a birthday, examine your birthday suit," she said.

One in six Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Being familiar with your body and any moles on it is very important to ensure that changes will be noticed right away, Avey said.

"The more people attend screenings, the more they will know what to be looking for," she said.

Unusual skin discoloration or a change in shape, texture, size or color of a mole could be a sign of skin cancer and needs to be examined by a health care provider.

"I learned in college that if something doesn't heal, you should probably see a doctor," said John Garrard, 37, of Tucson. Garrard has been fighting basal cell carcinoma since he was 21.

Basal cell carcinoma appears as a small, fleshy, translucent bump, and if untreated it will bleed, crust over, and appear to heal, but then repeat its cycle. With each cycle it may spread deeper into underlying structures of the skin.

"Don't pretend you're healing yourself, because you're not, and it will just get harder to treat," Garrard said. Garrard sees his dermatologist every six months and recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed from the corner of his eyelid.

Basal cell carcinoma is one of the three most common types of skin cancer, accounting for 80 percent of all skin cancers. It is followed by squamous cell carcinoma, a large, mushroom-like tumor, and then by malignant melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious of skin cancers because of its ability to spread to other organs. Melanoma cells usually appear in shades of brown and can appear without warning or develop near a mole on the skin. Melanoma is more common than any non-skin cancer for people between the ages of 24 and 30, Avey said.

People should avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., always wear sun screen, and wear hats with broad rims to protect themselves, she said.

Approximately 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. Skin cancer screenings make early detection possible. Screenings are set up two times during the regular school year by Health Promotion and Preventive Services. Screenings can also be obtained at the Campus Health Center any time of the year by appointment.

The Arizona Cancer Center operates a hotline (1-800-622-2673) that provides information and materials about cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.