Skin cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK with over 40,500 new cases every year. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma (MM). Due to certain similarities basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are often grouped together and referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer. The prevalence of BCC in the population is 2.1%. BCC is twice as common as SCC. MMs account for 1-in-10 skin cancers. Types and Causes Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the surface cells of the skin and is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK. This is a slow growing cancer but may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma tends to occur in caucasians or white skinned people, with more males than females being affected. Malignant melanoma, although not the most common form of skin cancer, does cause the greatest concern as it is curable if found early, but can be very difficult to cure if it has spread into the deeper layers of the skin. MM develops in cells known as melanocytes, which are responsible for the colour of our skin. This type of cancer usually starts in the skin. Rarely it can arise in other parts of the body, such as the eye, the mouth, or in the internal organs. There is strong evidence that ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or sun beds can damage the skin and cause cancer. The likelihood of developing a skin cancer increases with age and non-melanoma skin cancer is more common in those over 40 years old. Certain risk factors have been identified. These include people who are fair skinned, burn easily in the sun, are red-haired with freckles, have sunspots (solar keratoses), have had previous skin cancer and those who work or spend long periods outdoors. The risk of developing skin cancer can be reduced by cutting down on exposure to ultraviolet light and increasing protection measures. These include wearing protective clothing, wide brimmed hats and using a strong sun block (minimum SPF 15). Children and young adults who are over-exposed to the sun and suffer blistering or burning are at increased risk of developing a MM in later life. Very rarely, malignant melanoma may be due to a genetic or familial tendency to the disease. Symptoms Most MMs start in normal skin. Others may develop in existing moles. If it does develop from a mole, changes include: a change in size; altered shape; change in colour; itching, crusting or bleeding. People should be encouraged to report any unusual marks on the skin which last more than a few weeks or an existing mole which shows any of the above signs. Many people feel overwhelmed when told they have a diagnosis of skin cancer. The impact can be particularly devastating if the cancer is on a prominent part of the body, such as the face, neck or arms/hands. The prospect of potentially disfiguring treatment can be hard to cope with. People in this situation need accurate information and sensitive support to help them understand what is happening. Treatments For further information contact: Specialist information nurses: 020 7269 3142 Patient information website www.cancerhelp.org.uk Registered charity number: 1089464 Cancer Research UK is dedicated to research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer. Have a look at our SunSmart website http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sunsmart/
for useful information on the dangers of sun damage, and what you
can do to protect yourself.
Information reproduced by kind permission of The Skin Care Campaign.
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