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Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) accounts for about 20% of skin cancer and occurs mainly on sun-exposed surfaces, although with a slightly different distribution to Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). For example, SCC is relatively more common on the ears, hands, arms, and legs than BCC. About 1 in 20 AKs will transform into SCC over 20 years, and the presence of AKs identifies persons who are likely to develop skin cancer. SCC is almost 100% curable when treated early, but in later stages can become extremely dangerous, not only invading locally, but metastasizing to other parts of the body.
About 2% of skin SCCs ultimately lead to death, or about 2,000 deaths per year in the United States. Suggestions include:- Wear protective clothing, including a hat with 3 inch brim (Not a baseball-type cap!)
- Avoid exposure when the Sun's rays are most intense, especially between 10am and 3pm
- Use Sunscreens and Sunblocks, at least SPF 15
- Protect infants and children from overexposure and especially sunburn - it is estimated that lifetime risk of skin cancer could be reduced 80% with proper sun protection in childhood.
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