A resident of Bethpage, NY, Angelo Sciortino is a Penn State University student pursuing a master's degree in finance. After graduating in August 2023, he hopes to establish a prosperous career in the financial services industry. Outside of school, Angelo Sciortino likes to volunteer and has participated in community service events that promote cancer awareness.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The disease develops due to the abnormal growth of skin cells, which can be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. There are several types of skin cancer, the most common being basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, which although less common than BCC and SCC, is a more aggressive form of skin cancer that, if not treated early, can rapidly spread to other body organs.

Skin cancer mostly affects body parts such as the lips, back, face, neck, ears, and hands, which are often exposed to sunlight. It can also develop on skin surfaces, including the genital area, palms, toenails, and soles of the feet, that aren't regularly exposed to ultraviolet light. Doctors believe that factors such as advanced age, a family history of cancer, exposure to toxins like arsenic, and immune system disorders play a role in the development of skin cancer in regions that don't get a lot of sunshine.

Dermatologists advise performing monthly self-examinations to look for birthmarks, moles, lesions, or other markings with an odd texture, size, or shape and getting screened for skin cancer every three years after the age of 20 due to skin cancer's high prevalence. If you detect any strange marks, you should consult a doctor promptly because they could be signs of skin cancer. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and practicing sun safety measures like regularly applying sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.