The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is uniquely equipped to provide the people of our region with advanced treatment options for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
- Regional Leader: MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is the region’s leading center for the detection, evaluation and treatment of skin cancer. Patients can confidently look to MD Anderson at Cooper for the very best in cancer diagnosis and care.
- State-of-the-Art Treatments: The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center offers patients access to state-of-the-art treatment options, including MOHS surgery, TIL therapy, expert surgery, precision radiation treatment, and access to groundbreaking cancer clinical trials.
- Expert Physicians: MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper physicians are leaders in cancer research and care. Many of them are regionally and nationally recognized in the treatment of melanoma and other types of cancer.
- Access to Latest Developments: Our physicians are respected educators at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. As a result, they are on the cutting-edge of new cancer treatment options.
Causes of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer strikes more people worldwide than any other form of cancer. Although more common in fair-skinned people, anyone can develop skin cancer. In the U.S. alone, one million adults will be diagnosed with the disease this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All the factors involved in the cause of skin cancer are unknown, however, the following play a very important role. It is known that skin cancer occurs much more frequently in blonde, red-headed, blue-eyed individuals. The lowest incidence of skin cancer occurs in individuals with black skin, while the highest incidence of skin cancer occurs in those with almost no pigmentation. Heredity does seem to play a part. We see more skin cancers in certain families, despite their skin color, than in others.
The most important single cause of skin cancer is sun exposure. Wherever the sun is most intense, we find the highest incidence of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Prevention
To prevent skin cancer (or if you have skin cancer), it is important to protect yourself as much as possible from the sun. This may be done in several ways. A sun screen should be applied every morning, 365 days a year. For most cases, one application will suffice to last the entire day. This is for average everyday living. However, with excessive exposure to the sun, as occurs while playing tennis, golf, fishing, you must reapply the sun protective agent. At these times, it is also important to wear a large hat and protect your arms, chest, and back with clothing. Swimming is fine, however, it must be remembered that the sun screening agents will wash off with water and need to be reapplied. With heavy exercise, perspiration will have the same effect. You should not restrict your activities to the degree that it would interfere with your life style. Continue enjoying the sun, however, protect yourself as much as possible. Sunbathing is prohibited.
Contact Us
To make an appointment with an MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper skin cancer specialist, please call 855.MDA.COOPER (855.632.2667).