Skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet each year many people die from it. Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if found early. Prevention is better than cure, but getting to know your own skin also helps you spot any suspicious lumps or spots as soon as they appear, when they have the best chance of being treated successfully. Regardless of skin type, everyone is at risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

Types of skin cancer#

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma#

This is the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer. It is often red and slightly raised, with a scaly area that can bleed if knocked, and it often becomes ulcerated as it develops. It appears most often on the head and neck, followed by the upper body.

Squamous cell carcinoma#

This cancer grows over weeks or months and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated quickly. It occurs most often, though not only, on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, hands and forearms. It looks like thickened, red, scaly spots.

Melanoma#

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can grow quickly, developing over weeks to months. If caught early it is usually treatable, but if found at a later stage it may have already spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. Even mild sunburn or tanning can contribute to the skin cell damage that leads to melanoma.

Common melanomas appear as a new spot, or as an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes color, size or shape. They are usually flat with an irregular, smudgy outline and are often more than one color.

Nodular melanoma is a highly dangerous form that looks different from common melanomas. These are raised and even in color (often red or pink, and some brown or black). This type grows quickly and can be life-threatening if it is not found and removed promptly.

Preventing skin cancer#

Whenever UV levels are 3 or higher, use a combination of sun protection measures. Don’t wait for hot, sunny days, because UV can still reach damaging levels even on cool, cloudy days. Check the daily UV forecast and use sun protection during the times it is high. UV levels are most intense during the middle of the day.

Use these measures together:

• Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
• Apply SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours (even if the label says it is 4-hour water-resistant). Never rely on sunscreen alone or use it to extend time in the sun.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses that meet a recognized safety standard, and consider eye protection all year round
• Seek shade where you can

Use the same measures for the rest of your family, and take particular care if you or your children work or play outdoors.

Be aware of your skin#

Everyone should become familiar with their own skin. Be aware of your whole body, as skin cancers can sometimes occur on areas not exposed to the sun. Use a hand-held mirror to check your back and the back of your neck, or ask someone to look for you. Don’t forget your armpits, inner legs, ears, eyelids, hands and feet, and check between your fingers and toes. Use a comb to move sections of hair aside and inspect your scalp.

Be alert to new or changing moles, freckles and spots. If you notice anything new or unusual, see your doctor straight away. If you don’t have a regular doctor, you can make an appointment with any doctor for a skin examination. If you are considering a skin cancer clinic, first find out what services it offers and the expertise of the staff.

Diagnosis and treatment#

Skin cancer is diagnosed by a physical examination and a biopsy. A biopsy is a quick, simple procedure in which part or all of the spot is removed and sent to a laboratory. It may be done by your doctor, or you might be referred to a dermatologist or surgeon. Results usually take about a week. In some cases the biopsy removes all of the skin cancer and no further treatment is needed.

When choosing the best treatment, your doctor will consider your age and general health, the type and size of the cancer, where it is on your body, whether it has spread, and what you want. Types of further treatment can include surgery, freezing, scraping, radiotherapy, removing lymph nodes, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy.

Key points#

• Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and most cases can be treated successfully if found early
• The three main types are basal cell carcinoma (the most common but least dangerous), squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma
• Common melanomas appear as a new spot, or an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes color, size or shape
• In some cases a biopsy removes all of the skin cancer and no further treatment is needed

Where to get help#