There are three main types of skin cancer, and all three types can be caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, which is at least one of the causes. Ultraviolet light from the sun can disrupt the genetic properties of skin cells, leading to precancerous changes and the growth of cancer cells. Obviously, the most superficial layer of the skin is the first part to be attacked. The three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (or erosive ulcer), squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, are all found in the superficial layer of the skin called the epidermis. The most common of the three types of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which can cause localized tissue erosions if not treated early, but does not spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma, if not treated properly, can spread. Fortunately, both types of skin cancer are slow-growing and can be cured in almost all cases. Squamous cell carcinoma is sometimes seen in the vulva of postmenopausal women, and that is more difficult to manage. Malignant melanoma is the least common of the three. It is the most serious type of skin cancer, spreading rapidly after its onset. If detected early and treated, the cure rate is about 75 percent. Who are the most likely to develop skin cancer? How to reduce this possibility? The lighter the color of your skin and eyes, the more likely you are to get sunburned, and the more likely you are to develop skin cancer. Long-term exposure to the sun, such as outdoor occupations like farming, certainly increases the likelihood of skin cancer; short-term exposure, such as sunbathing on the beach and blistering the skin, also has the same harmful effects; even moderate seasonal sunbathing, done year after year, increases the likelihood of skin cancer. The damage to skin cells from sun exposure is accumulated over time, so middle-aged and elderly people are more likely to develop skin cancer. The easiest way to avoid developing skin cancer is to reduce exposure to cancer-causing UV rays. There are three basic ways to reduce UV damage to the skin and one or more of them should be considered: 1. Reduce the time spent in the sun; 2. Protect your skin with clothing and hats when you go out; 3. If you must stay in the sun and cannot protect your skin with clothing, or if you do not want to cover your skin with clothing because you wish to tan it, then you should apply sunscreen. Sunscreens are available in creams, oils and other dosage forms and contain certain chemicals that can stop the most harmful rays of the sun from damaging the skin.