Early-warning system reads your moles
YOU MAY not think the British summer offers enough sunshine to be a danger to our skin, but skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK and is on the increase. A daunting 136,000-plus new cases are diagnosed each year in the UK alone — more than 370 every day — a figure that has more than doubled over the past decade (Cancer Research UK). And that is before we even venture off to sunnier climes.
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER Melanoma
This is the most common skin cancer. It can develop in a new or pre-existing mole — that is why it is important to have your moles checked, to detect changes in existing moles and to spot new ones. Melanoma is considered the worst type of skin cancer, because it can spread into the lymph system and internal organs. Once this happens, the prognosis is poor. However, the cure rate for melanoma is about 95 per cent when detected and treated early.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) SCC accounts for about 16 per cent of all skin cancers and tends to occur on sun-exposed areas of the body. It most often appears as a crusty, scaly area or a non-healing ulcer. SCCs can also arise from actinic keratosis (solar keratosis) which are dry, scaly lesions. Early detection and treatment is needed to prevent spreading.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC accounts for about 80 per cent of skin cancers and tends to occur on sunexposed areas, such as face, ears, scalp and trunk. It can appear as a shiny nodule or a spot that constantly heals then reopens and does not disappear. Early detection and treatment is needed to prevent surrounding tissue damage.
Who can get skin cancer?
Skin cancer can develop in people of all colours, from the fairest to the darkest skin. However, higher-risk groups include people with fair skin, lighter-coloured eyes, blond or red hair and tendency to burn or freckle when exposed to the sun. In addition, a history of sun exposure, for example growing up o r living in a hot climate, as well as a family history, can increase the risk. People who have aytpical mole syndrome (which involves having lots of moles that are irregular in appearance — it can run in the family) also have an increased risk of skin cancer.
Most skin cancers occur on the trunk and legs, but they can also develop on non-sun-exposed areas, such as the foot and underneath nails.
PREVENTION
Most skin cancers are preventable, as the vast majority are caused by exposure to sunlight. Many skin cancers are the result of sun damage acquired during our early years. Prevention and early detection of skin cancer is the key. Staying safe in the sun is easy and remembering the SunSmart Code for you and your family will help. S – Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
M – Make sure you never burn.
A – Always cover up with a hat, sunglasses and t-shirt.
R – Remember young people burn more easily.
T – Then use a sunscreen – Factor 15+.
DETECTION
Early detection is simple. Follow the ABCD rule (a guide to when to take action) and having regular check-ups.
A - Asymmetry. The two halves of your mole do not look the same.
B - Border. The edges of your mole are jagged or irregular.
C - Colour. Your mole is more than one shade or has become a lot darker. D - Diameter. Your mole is more than 5mm in diameter.
Moles or patches on your skin, whether raised or flat, can remain harmless all your life. If a mole or patch of normal skin changes in size, shape or colour over weeks or months, that needs to be investigated by an expert.
Centennial Medical Care in Elstree, Hertfordshire provides a comprehensive mole-mapping service. This is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team with more than 20 years’ experience in cancer, including nurses, doctors, surgeons and pharmacists.
The consultation, which lasts about an hour, includes a personalised melanoma risk profile and a detailed visual examination of your skin, in which any areas of concern or moles are highlighted and then imaged using computerised digital dermoscopy.