PREVENTING SKIN CANCER What is the problem?Over the last 20 years, the number of new cases of skin cancer in the UK has
increased rapidly. This is thought to be the result of changing fashions in
dress and leisure activities. The strong appeal of bronzed skin is a relatively
recent fashion and the desire to have a suntan has resulted in the new pastime
- sunbathing. Foreign travel has also increased and many people take holidays
in countries closer to the equator than the UK. Ultra violet radiation from the
sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer. Who is at risk?Anyone can develop skin cancer but it is most common in the white
population. Those people who burn easily, those with red hair and freckles and
those with a family history of skin cancer have an even higher risk. What can you do?You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by treating the sun with respect.
Experts advise: - take care not to burn
- avoid the sun in the middle of the day (between 11 am and 3 pm)
- seek the shade cover up with clothes and wear a hat
- use a high factor sunscreen (SPF 8-15) on skin that is exposed to the sun.
What about children?Skin cancer may develop many years after excessive exposure to the sun and
sunburn before the age of 15 years is thought to increase the risk. Protection
of the skin of children is therefore particularly important. What does skin cancer look like?The sooner skin cancer is recognised and treated the better the results so
we all need to know the changes to be alert for. There are two main types of
skin cancer - malignant melanoma and non-melanotic skin cancer. They look very
different. Malignant melanoma is a pigmented lesion. It is most common on the
leg in women and the back in men, but can occur anywhere. Signs to watch for
are: - an increase in size or shape of a mole
- a new mole
- a ragged edge to a mole
- a mole with a mixture of different shades
Non-melanotic skin cancer is not usually pigmented. There are two
types of non-melanotic skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous
Cell Carcinoma (SCC). It is most common on the face, head and neck and on the
hands and arms. Signs to watch for are:-
Basal Cell Carcinoma A persistent lump or red area of skin which may
appear pearly and may ulcerate
Squamous Cell Carcinoma A persistent thickened red area of skin which
may bleed or ulcerate ref. | 
