The words "skin cancer" may conjure up images of potentially deadly melanoma, but nonmelanoma skin cancers are far more common. More than 1 million new cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer may occur each year, and there is evidence that the rates are rising.

Using sunscreen and protective clothing are key to preventing skin cancer. But, as you'll see in this issue, vitamin A, green tea, and an inherited condition known as xeroderma pigmentosum may help scientists discover other ways to keep people from developing the most frequently occurring skin cancers.

In this edition of BenchMarks, you'll find an interview with two skin cancer researchers from the National Cancer Institute, audio clips from that interview, skin cancer graphics, and a fact sheet covering both nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers.

There are several types of skin cancer. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma followed by squamous cell carcinoma. These forms are often referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer to differentiate them from a third type, melanoma, which is less common, more deadly, and more likely to spread throughout the body.