Skin Cancer
Early detection saves lives.
“I like the idea of The MOLE Clinic, a one stop mole check shop that does moles and moles alone.”
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
There are two main types of skin cancer:
- Non-melanoma skin cancers and
- melanoma skin cancer.
Non melanoma skin cancer includes:
- basal cell skin cancer – this is also called basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- squamous cell skin cancer – this is also called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- some other rare types
Around 156,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the UK. As they are easy to treat and cure they are often left out of national statistics therefore this number could be much higher.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body. Melanoma starts in cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells make pigment and gives the skin its natural colour. Melanoma can occur in pre-existing moles, but they more often appear from new marks on the skin.
Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK with around 16,700 people being diagnosed each year. Cases are continuing to increase however if caught early enough melanoma is treatable. 87% of people diagnosed with melanoma survive their disease for 10yrs or more.
Early detection is key. An annual Full Body Skin Check or Full Body Mole Mapping for those with a very large number of moles / those at higher risk coupled with 3 monthly self-checks, will ensure skin cancer is identified early.
Risk factors
Your risk of developing skin cancer depends on many factors, including your age, genetics, and exposure to risk factors. The lifetime risk of developing a melanoma for the average person in the UK is 1 in 50.
Statistics from Cancer Research UK
Accessed April 2023
UV exposure
Significant sun exposure especially in childhood is the single most important lifestyle risk factor. The risk of developing a melanoma later in life doubles if you have experienced a blistering sunburn as a child through to young adult.
People with a history of sunburn are 3x more likely to have melanoma. The higher the number of sunburns, the higher the risk.
UV exposure risk also includes the use of sunbeds with risk significantly increasing if used before the age of 35.
Skin type
Patients with fair skin, freckling and light hair (skin type I and II) are more susceptible to skin cancer. However, no one is exempt, and people of any ethnicity can still get skin cancer even if they rarely burn and always tan. Understanding your skin type one of the most important steps in safeguarding against developing a skin cancer.
Family History
If you have a close relative who has had melanoma, you are more at risk yourself. This is probably partly because we tend to share the same sort of colouring and skin type as our close relatives.
Atypical moles (dysplastic naevi)
Some people have large numbers of moles, or moles that are unusual in appearance (atypical moles). The atypical moles tend to be an irregular shape or colour and may be larger than usual. They sometimes have a tendency to become cancerous (malignant), but most atypical moles do not turn into cancer. People with moles like this have a higher than average risk of melanoma.
Personal skin cancer history
People who have already had a skin cancer have a greater risk of getting another one compared to someone who hasn’t had one. Although there is an increased risk, this doesn’t mean that you will definitely develop another skin cancer.
Skin cancer detection
Early detection saves lives. Do you, or a loved one, have a mole that is new or changing? If so, act now; book an appointment at The Mole Clinic.
Even though skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, when it is picked up early most cases are curable. Take advantage of the fact that it is a cancer you can see, it is usually visible. This is why expert skin checks coupled with self-examination is vital.
Melanoma
New or changing mole: Typically the first sign of melanoma is a mole which is new or changing in some way either in size, shape or colour (becoming lighter or darker) and starting to look different to your other moles. Bleeding, itching and crusting is another symptom to look out for.
Ugly duckling: This is a mole that stands out and looks different. Are you unable to match it to any of your other moles? Is it eye catching and stands out?
Non-Melanoma
A spot or sore
You need to get a spot or sore checked out that:
- is new, doesn’t go away or looks unusual
- doesn’t heal within 4 weeks
- hurts, is itchy, crusty, scabs over or bleeds for more than 4 weeks
The colour of the spot or sore can look see through, shiny and pink or pearly white. They can also look red. Some may have dark brown or black areas but this isn’t always the case.
The spot or sore can feel sore, rough and have raised edges.
Ulcer
Look out for an area of skin that’s broken down (an ulcer) and doesn’t heal within 4 weeks, and you can’t think of a reason for this change.
A lump
This might be small, slow growing, shiny and pink or red.
Red patches on your skin
These red patches could also be itchy. This could be due to other non cancerous skin conditions. But get it checked to make sure.
Skin Cancer Prevention
The best way to avoid skin cancer is to moderate our sun exposure and avoid sunbeds completely.
Top sun safety tips
- Protect the skin with clothing, including a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses.
- Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s most sunny.
- Use a ‘high protection’ sunscreen of at least SPF 30 which also has high UVA protection of 4-5 stars, and make sure you apply it generously and frequently when in the sun.
- Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
How to use sunscreen correctly
Always apply:
- a thick layer
- at appropriate intervals
- to all exposed areas.Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
Exposure to water, sweating, towel drying and any form of abrasion can remove sun protectors from the surface of the skin and leave it exposed.
How should I apply sunscreen?
- When using lotions, you should to apply at least six full teaspoons to cover an average adult. Applying half the required amount can reduce the protection by as much as two-thirds.
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow it to dry.
- Reapply at least every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming, perspiring and towel drying or if it has rubbed off.
- Be aware that reflection of the sun’s rays can greatly increase the power of the radiation – by up to 5% in water, 17% in sand and 85% in snow.
What about SPF in moisturisers?
- When using lotions, you should to apply at least six full teaspoons to cover an average adult. Applying half the required amount can reduce the protection by as much as two-thirds.
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow it to dry.
- Reapply at least every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming, perspiring and towel drying or if it has rubbed off.
- Be aware that reflection of the sun’s rays can greatly increase the power of the radiation – by up to 5% in water, 17% in sand and 85% in snow.