NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

Cancer Screening and Awareness

Skin Cancer Prevention

About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer, which includes squamous cell cancer, basal cell cancer and melanoma, is the most common cancer in the United States and its incidence is steadily rising. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Approximately 1.3 million cases of highly curable basal cell and squamous cell cancers will be diagnosed this year. It is estimated that basal cell cancer alone will account for approximately 25% of all newly diagnosed cancers. According to the American Cancer Society's estimates for 2009, the United States is projected to have approximately 68,720 newly diagnosed cases of melanoma, which accounts for nearly 75% of skin cancer deaths, resulting in approximately 8,650 fatalities. Survival rates are much higher when skin cancer is detected and treated early, stressing the importance of self exams and periodic total body exams with a dermatologist.

Skin Cancer Screening at NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian offers comprehensive screening for skin cancer including genetic testing and counseling for patients with a strong family history of melanoma, atypical nevi, and basal cell carcinoma or squamous below the age of 30.

Columbia University Medical Center campus

• Department of Dermatology
  Telephone: 212-305-5293
  Website: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/derm/index.html

• Department of Dermatology - Eastside Associates
  Telephone: 326-8465
  Website: http://www.columbia-eastside.org/index.html

Weill Cornell Medical Center campus

• Department of Dermatology
  Telephone: 646-962-3376
  Website: http://www.cornelldermatology.org

Additional Information

• American Cancer Society
  Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

• National Cancer Institute
  Skin Cancer Screening
  Skin Cancer Prevention

• American Academy of Dermatology
  Free Skin Cancer Screenings
  Statistics and Facts About Skin Cancer