Recognizing Actinic Keratosis

Each year, more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and 2.2 million people are treated for the disease in the U.S., according to The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.

Skin cancer is not only preventable, but also highly curable if caught early. The best way to detect skin cancer is by examining the skin regularly and identifying any changes in moles, freckles and skin growths.

An interactive website developed by LEO Pharma helps users learn about precancerous sun lesions called actinic keratosis (AK). The company developed Picato (ingenol mebutate), an FDA-approved topical gel for treating AK. The condition, which can appear as thick, scaly patches on the skin, may become skin cancer. In addition to information, such as common misconceptions, risk factors and prevention strategies, the website features detailed descriptions, photographs and instructions on how to identify skin damage and perform a self-assessment. To learn more, visit listentoyourskin.org.

Additional websites that provide information on AK and skin cancer include those from the Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org), the American Cancer Society (cancer.org), National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (skincancerprevention.org) and the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org).