May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and with the weather showing an improvement, it seems a good time to be reminding people about protecting their skin when they’re in the sun and never to underestimate the sun – especially when it’s usually hidden behind clouds.
Skin cancer is one the most common forms of cancer in the UK – but it’s also once of the most preventable.
Types of skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- basal cell carcinoma (BCCs)
- squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs)
BCCs and SCCs are different from melanoma. They are called non-melanoma skin cancers and are more common than melanoma.
Most skin cancers are caused by skin damage that happens from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds. Even on overcast days, UV rays can still do damage.
All types of skin are at risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Although the risk is highest if you have skin that tends to burn easily, or freckle in the sun.
If you have black or brown skin, you can get skin cancer, but it is less likely. However, you still need to protect your skin from the sun and check for anything unusual.
Symptoms of skin cancer
Different types of skin cancer can vary in how they look and can also vary if you have black or brown skin (where some skin symptoms may be less obvious).
If you have any skin change that is ongoing, unexplained or unusual for you, make an appointment with your GP.
Otherwise, the most common symptoms can include:
- A new or changing mole – if you develop a new mole or have a mole that changes shape, colour or size, then this could be a symptoms of melanoma skin cancer.
- A lump on the skin – this could be a symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer.
- A patch of scaly, crusty, irritated or rough skin – this could be a symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer.
- Sores or scabs – most sores or ulcers should heal after 3 weeks. If they have not, then it’s best to ask your GP to check it.
- Changes under the nails or on the palms or soles - Acral lentiginous melanoma is a type of melanoma that is more common in Black and Asian people. It usually develops in areas of skin that get little sun exposure.
Prevention is better than cure
The best protection is to cover up and be safe in the sun. Apply sun cream, wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses and stay in the shade between 11am – 3pm
Using sunbeds or sunlamps also increases your risk of developing skin cancer. These devices use high levels of the same harmful UV radiation found in sunlight.
Most skin cancers are treatable when caught early.
Sunscreen is your friend
- Check that your sun cream is not out of date (most have a shelf life of 2 years).
- Use 5* UVA with at least an SPF 30.
- Apply sun cream to clean and dry skin about 20 – 30 minutes before you go out into the sun.
- Take care to apply sun cream to your lips, tops of ears, the back of your neck, your scalp and your feet.
- Make sure you use enough sun cream. As a rule of thumb use around the equivalent of 1 teaspoon for each limb, 1 for your chest, 1 for your back and 1 for your head and neck.
- Reapply least every 2 hours (depending on the instructions) or more often if you have been swimming or exercising (so sweating a lot).
Hannah Carr, Legal Director and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor MDS, said “Skin cancer isn’t just something that happens to other people, or only in sunny countries. It happens here – and often to people who thought they weren’t at risk. So this May, take a moment to check your skin, stock up on sun cream and encourage the people around you to do the same. It’s a small effort that could make a big difference.”
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families whose lives have been affected by cancer. Click here to read more about how we can help you, and here to read one of our client’s stories.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
