World Cancer Day: How to Protect Your Skin and Spot the Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a serious concern, and raising awareness is key to early detection and prevention. This topic is especially close to my heart, as I had my own experience with skin cancer in 2014. The good news is that if caught early, skin cancer can often be eliminated completely. If you notice something new, changing, or unusual on your skin, seek advice from your GP immediately.
A useful app, MySkinDoctor, provides quick and accessible dermatology assessments. This app can diagnose you within three days, reducing the need for long waits at a dermatologist’s office. Spread the word about this app—it could help save lives!
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells multiply due to DNA damage, often caused by excessive UV radiation. The most common types of skin cancers on the face and body include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – Appears as a pearly bump, sore, or red patch that doesn’t heal.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – A scaly, red, or crusty lesion that can become sore and bleed.
- Melanoma – The deadliest form of skin cancer, often appearing as a dark, irregularly shaped mole.
How to Tell the Difference Between Skin Cancer and a Mole
Early detection is crucial, and understanding the difference between a harmless mole and a potential skin cancer is essential. Follow the ABCDE rule when checking your moles:
- A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
- B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges.
- C – Colour: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, or white.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or colour over time.
If you notice any of these signs, or if a mole becomes itchy, bleeds, or develops a crust, see a dermatologist immediately.
Precancerous Skin Lesions: What to Look For
Precancerous skin lesions are abnormal skin growths that can turn into cancer if left untreated. These include:
- Actinic Keratoses (AKs) – Rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands.
- Lentigo Maligna – A slow-growing, dark patch that can develop into melanoma.
- Bowen’s Disease – A red, scaly patch that can be an early form of SCC.
Sun Safety: Protecting Your Skin Year-Round
The sun feels wonderful, but it can be your skin’s worst enemy. Sun damage doesn’t just happen on beach holidays—it accumulates every time you walk the dog or commute without sun protection.
Did you know? 80% of photo-damage occurs before the age of 18, which is why sun protection should start in childhood. No sunscreen provides complete protection, so always follow these sun safety tips:
- Cover up with suitable clothing.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
- Stay in the shade between 11 AM – 3 PM when the sun is strongest.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that carries a UVA symbol (preferably with a 4-star rating or higher).
- Check the expiry date of your sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
- Use at least 35ml (roughly one teaspoon per body area, half a teaspoon for the face).
- Reapply immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Applying sunscreen should be like painting a textured surface—two coats ensure full coverage.
The Truth About Sunbeds
A common myth is that sunbeds prepare your skin for sun exposure. In reality, sunbeds are just as harmful as natural UV rays, if not worse.
- The intensity of UV radiation from sunbeds can be 10-15 times higher than the Mediterranean midday sun.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified sunbeds as a Group 1 carcinogen, the highest cancer risk category.
- The risk of developing melanoma increases significantly when sunbed use starts at a younger age.
Vitamin D and Sun Exposure
While sun exposure is essential for Vitamin D production, you only need 15-20 minutes of sunlight per day—well below levels that cause skin damage. If you are concerned about Vitamin D levels, consider dietary sources or supplements.
Alarming Skin Cancer Statistics
- Non-melanoma skin cancer is the UK’s most common cancer.
- Malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers in young adults (aged 15-34) in the UK.
- Over the last 25 years, melanoma rates in Britain have risen faster than any other common cancer.
- 1 in 36 UK males and 1 in 47 UK females will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime.
Final Thoughts: Adopt Sun Safety as a Daily Habit
The best way to achieve healthy, youthful skin is to protect your skin all year. Make SPF a part of your daily routine—whether it’s February, July, or December. Spread awareness, encourage others to check their skin regularly, and take the necessary steps to prevent skin cancer.
Stay safe, stay informed, and protect your skin!