Skin Cancer - Spotting the signs of Melanoma

Every day, a young woman is diagnosed with skin cancer

Statistics from Cancer Research UK show that skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer for women in their 20's. It is even more common than breast cancer and cervical cancer, and figures are still rising. By the year 2024 Cancer Research UK statisticians predict that malignant melanoma will be the fourth most common cancer for men and for women - of all ages!

It is thought that this rise could be linked to increased use of sunbeds and binge tanning on foreign holidays. Sunbeds are not a safe way to tan. The intensity of the UV rays in some sunbeds can be almost 10-15 times higher than the midday summer sun, and people do not think twice about going on a sunbed without any form of UV protection. To prevent skin cancer we must protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays that radiate from the sun and from sunbeds.

There are two main types of skin cancer:

• Malignant melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer.
• Non-melanoma skin cancer - more common and easily treated.

Malignant melanoma usually develops in the outer layers of your skin, and the first signs of this cancer are usually seen in any changes to moles, be that in their look or feel. Over 2,300 people die from skin cancer each year in the UK, and most of these cases are due to malignant melanoma. In fact, there are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease. Malignant melanoma is also more common among women rather than men, probably due to the celebrity induced obsession with tanning.

Non-melanoma is much more easily treated and the most common form of skin cancer. There are over 76,000 new cases reported each year in the UK but not all cases are recorded. There may be at least 100,000 new cases every year. This type of skin cancer is more commonly found on areas that are more exposed to the sun, like arms, head, neck and hands.

Spotting skin cancer early makes it more treatable. Cancer Research UK advises to follow the ABCD rule, when looking for signs of skin cancer.

Asymmetry — if two halves of your mole, do not look the same, then go to your doctor!

Border — if the edges of your mole are irregular, blurred or jagged, go and see your doctor!

Colour — if the colour of your mole is uneven, go and see a doctor!

Diameter — If your mole is wider than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser), make an appointment and see your doctor!

Melanoma Asymmetry

Melanoma Border

Melanoma Colour

Melanoma Diameter

Skin ageing - it happens to all of us and we hate it, but why does it happen and what can we do about it?

Other signs to look out for are:

• a new growth or sore that won't heal
• a spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts
• a mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs.

We should all be protecting ourselves from UV rays and we should NEVER get sunburnt. Protection comes in all different forms, be it clothes, sunglasses or sunscreen. We should all be wearing sunscreen every day of at least SPF 15, and ideally SPF 30 in the summer. Not only will you be protecting yourself from skin cancer, but you'll also stop the main trigger of skin ageing. Many skincare products have added sunscreens, as product houses understand the importance of sun protection and its link with the visible effects of skin ageing.

Yes, we do produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and we need Vitamin D to keep our bones strong, but we don't actually need that much, and certainly not the amount that will cause skin cancer. We can also get a good source of Vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish, fish liver oils and some fortified cereals.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to the safety of tanning.

Sunbed tanning is not safer than the sun

Both forms of tanning come from over exposure to UV rays. Sometimes, the strength of the UV rays from sunbeds is in fact much, much higher than the intensity of the UV rays from the sun.

It's not even ok to use sunbeds just every once in a while

Even occasional use of a sunbed can cause damage to the skin's DNA and can still increase your chance of developing skin cancer.

Building up your tan gradually gives you a better, safer tan

Binge tanning, or short bursts of intense UV exposure is actually does more harm than good. It's the fastest way to age your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

If I go on holiday with a tan I'll have a higher natural protection from the sun

At most, a tan is the equivalent of an SPF 4, which is certainly not enough protection. We should be using an SPF of at least 20 while on holiday.

Being tanned is a sign of health

A tan is simply a sign of damaged skin

Closing your eyes in a sunbed is just the same as wearing goggles

Without goggles the UV rays can penetrate through the delicate skin of your eyelids and cause damage to your eyes. You could suffer from irritation, cataracts, conjunctivitis and in some cases even eye cancer.

I'm young - I don't need to worry about sun damage or skin cancer

You can't always see the damage that UV rays cause as it builds up over time, but continued over exposure to UV rays will harm your skin and speed up the ageing process. If you ever get the chance to use a skin scanner, you will be shocked as to how much damage the sun actually causes.

Some people are more susceptible to skin cancer. Those with fair skin that burns easily, light eyes, those with lots of freckles or moles, people with red or fair hair, those who have experienced sunburn while young, and if you have a history of cancer in your family. These people have a greater risk of developing skin cancer, but as long as you take steps to protect yourself (with an SPF, clothing, staying in the shade during the suns strongest period and keeping off sunbeds) and keep an eye out for any moles or changes in your skin. Early detection is vital for easier treatment.

So remember, be sun smart and skin safe. Avoid sunbeds, do not get burnt and always wear a sunscreen. If you still want a suntan, then fake it! There are lots of different self tans on the market so you should easily be able to find one that suits you.

All facts have been taken from Cancer Research UK.

— Maria