Skin Cancer

The cause of skin cancer is usually secondary to sun damage to the skin or from sunbed usage (ie. UV radiation). About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and about 60% of melanomas are thought to be caused by excessive exposure to the sun. In particular, past episodes of sunburn (or outside job, family history, outdoor sports) significantly increase this risk. It is the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sunshine which does the damage (generating oxygen free radicals and DNA damage). Skin cells which are damaged are at greater risk of becoming abnormal and cancerous. Although skin cancer is rare in children, the amount of sun exposure during childhood is thought to increase the risk of developing skin cancers.

All three main types of skin cancer – BCC, SCC and melanoma – are curable if they are detected at an early stage. A small minor operation or other method to remove the affected area of skin is all that is required in the majority of early cases.

For non-melanoma skin cancers the overall cure rate is over 95%, even for lesions which have been present a while. However, the larger they grow, the more difficult they are to treat. More extensive surgery or other localised treatments may be needed if they grow large or deep.

For melanomas, the risk of spread to other parts of the body is much higher compared to NMSC. This is why urgent early treatment is usually required. Usually a simple operation under local anaesthetic is all that is required but sometimes further treatment is required. All melanoma patients are followed up regularly for check ups.

Try to get to know your skin. Look at all the normal moles or marks on your body so that you will know if there has been any change. If you notice any new growth or new change on your skin and you do not know what it is then see your doctor or contact Mr Banwell’s team immediately. In particular, if you notice any change in the size, shape or colour of an existing mole, or if a new dark area of skin develops then you should be seen. Any moles that bleed, itch or crust are also a sign to seek medical assistance.

The majority of skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to the sun. We should therefore all limit our sun exposure especially during the summer months (or all year when in hot countries nearer the equator) by:

• Staying indoors or seeking the shade as much as possible between 11am and 3pm.
• Covering up with clothes and a wide brimmed hat when we are out in the sunshine.
• Applying sunscreen (UV protection) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more to all exposed areas of skin when you are out in strong sunlight.

In particular, children should be protected from the sun.

Please note that episodes of Sunburn or excessive exposure in the sun during childhood years is thought to be the biggest risk factor for the developing of skin cancer later in life.