Those cells that are healthy and comprise the body's tissue grow before dividing and replacing themselves. This is how the body grows, maintains its health and in good repair. However some of these cells can lose their ability to perform these tasks, limiting their growth and progress. They may divide themselves too rapidly or grow without organization. Some times too much tissue can be produced, resulting in tumors being produced. Tumors may be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors do not lead to cancer. They do not extend to the rest of the body and are not life threatening. These type of tumors are usually removed via surgery and usually do not return. They are often more of a nuisance than a threat.

Malignant tumors do lead to cancer. They cause illness to the body by invading and destroying the neighboring healthy tissues and organs. They can grow new tumors in the body by spreading or metastasizing to other organs.

Skin cancer comes in two main forms: basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. A "carcinoma" is a type of cancer that begins in the cells that cover or surround an organ.

More than 90 percent of skin cancers in the United States are basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads to other areas. It's crucial, however, that all types of skin cancer are found and treated as early as possible to prevent them from invading and destroying nearby tissues.

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are usually referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Melanoma is another form of skin cancer which begins in the melanocytes.

Skin cancers presently account for the most common types of cancer in the United States. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to be 65 years and older will develop skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. It's important to note, however, that people of any age and nationality can develop skin cancer. Fair-skinned, freckled people with red or blond hair and blue or light colored eyes are most risk of developing the disease.

The sun's UV (ultraviolet) radiation is the most common cause of skin cancer. The sun creates two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Tanning booths and sun beds create artificial UV radiation, and will also cause skin cancer.

The location where a person lives plays a role in the risks of developing skin cancer. People live in areas where they are exposed to high levels of UV radiation and are more likely to develop skin cancer. For example, the Texas sun is especially strong. There are also high rates of skin cancer found in South Africa and Australia where the populations get excessive amounts of the sun's radiation.