Skin cancer concerns particular to women☆☆☆

BACKGROUND Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions, with more new cases diagnosed annually than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon. Estimates show 2 to 3 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) every year, and, among women, it is the young (younger than 45 years) who are disproportionately affected. OBJECTIVE This article aims to address questions and concerns pertinent to skin cancer in a woman-centric way. An updated landscape of causative factors, the latest detection/treatment methods, and ultimately the preventative measures available to them are described. METHODS A broad literature search was conducted using the PubMed database with search terms focusing on female gender. Additional articles were identified from cited references. CONCLUSIONS The published findings on causation of melanoma skin cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer in females are outlined, as well as current detection methods and treatment options. Furthermore, a variety of preventative measures specific to women that can reduce the chance of being diagnosed with skin cancer are discussed.