Educate Yourself

On average, 1,500 people die from cancer-related causes every day. When detected early, survival rates for many cancers average over 90%. In almost all cancers, when detected at their early, localized stages, survivability rates increase dramatically.

Help increase survival rates and get educated today. For complete information regarding all types of cancer, visit The American Cancer Society here.

Skin Cancer: Even in Washington

Washington State has the 5th highest incidence of skin cancer in the US

Skin Cancer Statistics

  • Most common cancer in the United States
  • More than 40% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once
  • About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV radiation) from the sun
  • The best way to reduce your chances of having skin cancer is to wear sunscreen
  • Skin cancer is treatable and early detection is the best way to improve the outcomes of skin cancer treatment

Risk factors

• Freckles
• Fair skin tones
• Skin that burns easily
• Light colored eyes, such as green and blue eyes
• Naturally red or blonde hair
• Spend a lot of time outdoors
• Personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma

Early Detection

Treating skin cancers early reduces the amount of tissue impacted by the cancer and thus reduces the impact of the disease. Screening is simple by following these simple guidelines:

Self Exam

Because of the prevalence of skin cancer, you should have your skin checked by a health care provider at least once a year, or twice a year if you have had a diagnosed skin cancer, and you should perform a self check once a month.

The Skin Cancer Center recommends picking a specific day, like the first day of the month or your birthday, to check your skin each month. The best time to do this exam is after a shower or bath. Use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror and make sure you have plenty of light. Begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles and other marks are and their usual look and feel.

Check for anything new:
• A mole that looks different from your other moles
• A red or darker color flaky patch that may be a little raised
• A flesh-colored firm bump
• A change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole
• A sore that does not heal

Check yourself from head to toe:
• Look at your face, neck, ears and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better, or you may want to ask a relative or friend to check through your hair. It may be hard to check your scalp by yourself.
• Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
• Bend your elbows. Look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms including the undersides, and upper arms.
• Examine the back, front and sides of your legs. Also look around your genital area and between your buttocks.
• Sit and closely examine your feet, including your toenails, your soles and the spaces between your toes.

By checking your skin regularly you will learn what is normal for you. It may help to record the dates of your skin exams and to write notes about the way your skin looks. If your doctor has taken photos of your skin, you can compare your skin to the photos to help check for changes. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor.

For more information on Skin Cancer, including diagnosis types of skin cancer and treatment click here.

Colon Cancer:


According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of a person having colorectal cancer in their lifetime is about 1 in 19. Luckily, cases are declining because of new treatments. Follow the links below to learn more about colon cancer.

What causes colorectal cancer?
Learn More

Find colorectal cancer early...
Learn More

Survival rates for colon cancer...
Learn More

Prostate Cancer:


According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Luckily, the death rate for prostate cancer is declining and the disease is being detected earlier.

How many men get prostate cancer?
Learn More

What are the risk factors of prostate cancer?
Learn More

How prostate cancer is detected and what to do if it's suspected you have it?
Learn More

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