Skin Cancer [Melanoma]

The UK's number 5 cancer just get under your skin...

Some 20,800+ cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year. 17,000+ are preventable!

1 in 36 men and 1 in 47 women will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime. 

It is now one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group.

5 Year survival rates by skin cancer stage

Born in the late 40s, 50s and 60s...

Holidays in Majorca, Minorca, Torremolinos and other Spanish resorts were all the rage in the 60s, 70s and early 80s. British holiday makers would be up at the crack of dawn, with beach towels in hand, and race to the poolside to beat the Germans, the French, and other holiday makers, to claim poolside sunbeds for the day.

They would then spend most of the day soaking up those (harmful) sun rays so they could fly back home with  a bronzed tan to make all others jealous. SPF factor 30 (and above) did not exist in those days. This cohort is more likely to develop melanomas than others. 

Melanoma definition...

Did you know that there are many versions of skin cancer?

  • Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma.
  • Skin cancer can exist in the lower part of the outer layer of the skin and is called basal cell carcinoma.
  • Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.

Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.

All these different types of skin cancer are listed for those who want to know more! However, does the fact that you know exactly what type of skin cancer you have really matter?

Don't be concerned about what the bloody hell its called. The average person should be more concerned about getting to see a GP asap if they find unusual freckles, moles, lumps and bumps (potential melanomas) on you body.  

Freckles, moles and melanomas...

Freckles are small flat spots that are usually found on sun-exposed areas of your body. They're tan, red, light brown or dark brown. Freckles are extremely common and aren't a health threat. They're more often seen in the summer. You're more likely to have freckles if you're lighter-skinned and have blond or red hair.

 
Normal moles are not skin cancers and they aren't considered to be pre-cancerous. Moles don't tend to “turn into” skin cancers. People with many moles (more than 100) have a higher risk of developing melanoma during their lifetime. So stay vigilant and if in any, any doubt, see your GP as fast as your can. They won't complain and would rather you were overly cautious. 
 
A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they're more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun. Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals. Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see.

Normal moles are usually round with smooth edges. Melanomas are often an uneven shape. They may have 2 different shaped halves and uneven edges.

Key Takeaways

 

See a GP sooner, not later if:

  • You have a mole that's changed size, shape or colour.
  • You have a mole that's painful or itchy.
  • You have a mole that's inflamed, bleeding or crusty.
  • You have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks.
  • You have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.