Skin cancer's danger depends largely on its type and stage at detection. The most dangerous form is melanoma, which arises from melanocytes and can quickly spread to other organs if not caught early. Melanoma has the highest mortality rate among skin cancers, but if detected early while still localized, the five-year survival rate is about 99%. However, once melanoma spreads to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, survival rates drop sharply—62% for regional spread and only 18% for distant metastasis. Non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are generally less life-threatening and often curable if treated promptly, but may cause severe local damage if untreated. Prolonged UV exposure and tanning beds increase risks significantly. Early detection and prevention through lifestyle changes and skin monitoring are critical for reducing skin cancer's dangers.
