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Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK, with over 100,000 new cases every year.
There are two main groups of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).
Melanoma is the least common skin cancer but it is potentially the most serious: there are over 8,000 new cases each year in the UK and 1,800 deaths. More people now die of Melanoma in the UK than in Australia even though the overall incidence of melanoma is lower Down-Under. It is the second most common cancer in the young population (20 – 39 age group). It is estimated that approximately 85% of cases are caused by excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure, ie. too much sun.
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the commonest skin cancers. The majority of these are called Basal Cell Carcinomas (also known as ‘rodent ulcers’ or BCCs). These are usually localised growths caused by excessive cumulative exposure to the sun and do not tend to spread. In contrast, Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs), which also occur on the skin, do have a propensity to spread to other parts of the body.
Check your skin!
It is essential to check your skin regularly. If in doubt, contact MoleVision immediately. The following checklist may be helpful:
Seven point checklist for suspected malignant melanoma
Major signs
• If an existing mole gets larger or a new one is growing
• If the mole has an irregular outline
• If the colours are mixed shades of brown or black
Minor signs
• If the mole is bigger than the blunt end of a pencil
• If it is inflamed or has a reddish edge
• If it is bleeding, oozing or crusting
• If it starts to feel different: for example, itching or painful |
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