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Preventing skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the world’s most common cancers. The good news is that it is usually treatable if detected early - and there are things we can do to prevent it.

Always be sunsafe

Avoid unnecessary exposure.

Seek shade where possible, and avoid the summer sun during the middle of the day.

Wear protective clothing

Include dark colours, long sleeves, a widebrimmed hat and UV-rated sunglasses.

For children, look for clothing with inbuilt sun protection.

Apply sunscreen

Check that yours has a high protection factor against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember that sunscreen takes effect around half an hour after its application and only lasts for two to three hours.

Protect children

Children are at the greatest risk of long-term health issues related to unsafe sun exposure.

Outside play is important, but you should never let a child get sunburnt.

This is the least common form of skin cancer, but also the most dangerous. It can affect people of any age, unlike other types that are more common among older people.

It presents as a spot that becomes darkly pigmented or develops irregular edges or different colours over time, or as a rapidly-growing pink or red lump. It can spread internally, so immediate treatment is required.

This is the most common form of skin cancer, but also the least dangerous. It typically presents as an elevated skin-coloured lump with a shiny, pearl-like edge, a wound that does not heal, or a slightly crusty lump that grows slowly over time. If left untreated, it may ulcerate and invade deeper tissues.

This is the second most common form of skin cancer, occurring in areas of the skin that have had a lot of sun exposure, such as the face and scalp. It presents as a crusty lump which may grow quickly and become ulcerated and weepy. It can spread rapidly, especially if on the lips, ears, fingers and toes, or in immunosuppressed patients. Surgical treatment to remove the lesions is essential.

This occurs most commonly in middle-aged and elderly people, on areas most exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, ears, back of the hands and scalp. It presents as red-brown scaly and rough patches of skin. The lesions are pre-cancerous; in 10– 15% of cases they may develop into squamous cell carcinomas, so they should be treated to prevent progression.

It is a rare aggressive form of skin cancer. In Europe the incidence rate reported is 0.59 per 100.000 and it is a cancer mainly diagnosed after the age of 50. The lesion is asymptomatic, enlarge rapidly and is more frequent in immunosuppressed patients. This tumor maybe induced by a polyomavirus or by UV exposure.

Benign

Malignant

Benign

Malignant

Benign

Malignant

Benign

Malignant

Before

After

1. Look at your face, including your nose, lips, mouth and on and behind your ears.

2. Check your scalp, using a comb to part your hair. If you do not have much hair, check your entire scalp very thoroughly.

3. Check the front and back of your hands and in between your fingers.

4. Then focus on your neck, chest and upper body. Women, be sure to check between and underneath your breasts.

5. Bend your elbow to check your upper arm and armpits.

6. Use your hand mirror to check the back of your neck and your back, top and bottom.

7. Check your buttocks and the back of your legs. Finish by checking the soles of your feet and in between your toes.