Where Skin Cancer Strikes!

According to Dr.Darrell Rigel, Skin cancer can crop up anywhere. But certain body parts are more vulnerable than others. Here's what you should know about your...

• NOSE "One third of all skin cancers happen here because it catches so much sun."
• LIPS 4% of skin cancers are on the upper lip, a high number for such a small area. Protect them with SPF 15 balm.
• EYES Nearly 1 in 10 skin cancers occur around the eyes, which makes big sunglasses a smart trend :)
• WHERE YOU PART YOUR HAIR, AND YOUR EARS Up to 4% occur here.
• CHEST,NECK,BACK AND SHOULDERS Since these places get lots of summer sun, women often develop basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers here.
• HANDS The backs of the hands are the 3rd most common spot for skin cancer to crop up.
• LOWER LEGS The leg has become the most common site for melanoma in women. Wearing shorts and skirts, but skipping SPF is the likely reason.
• PALMS, FEET AND NAILS Experts don't know why but women of African, Asian, Native American or Latin heritage may be prone to melanoma in areas such as the soles of the feet, palms and under nails.

BUT WAIT! Here's a little-known fact: Did you know that skin cancer can develop on the genitals? "It's uncommon, but we do see skin cancer on areas that haven't had any UV exposure," says Martin Weinstock, MD, PH.D, professor of dermatology at Brown University in Povidence, Rhode Island, and the American Cancer Society's skin cancer advisory group chair. Ask your ob-gyne to watch for anything suspicious.