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There are a lot of inaccurate beliefs out there about skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While many people are aware of the disease today, they are unsure of how it can develop, and are perhaps unaware of how they can protect themselves and their families. Myths and misinformation are of no help either, and being aware of what is true and relevant when it comes to skin cancer is very important.
Here, we look at some commonly held ideas about skin cancer and reveal the truth behind them.
This is a commonly-held belief but one that is not correct. People with darker skin tones often think, because they tan easily and don’t visibly burn, that there is no need to protect their skin. Their skin is darker because they produce more melanin, which does help to protect skin, but they can still develop skin cancer.
Often people with paler skin are more mindful and apply more sunscreen because they know they burn easily, which of course is both visible and painful! However, darker skin is also at risk of skin cancer so everyone needs to be sun smart and vigilant with SPF application and sheltering from strong sun too.
Whether it is from a sunbed or from the sun itself, getting a ‘base tan’ before you go on holidays will not protect your skin from UV rays. In fact, it is almost the complete opposite. A tan is a sign of skin damage. Your skin cells have responded to the UV rays and have produced more melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from the harmful UV. You may have heard it before but it is worth repeating: there is no such thing as a safe tan - and getting a tan before heading off on a beach holiday is most definitely not of any benefit.
While it is true that skin cancers tend to develop in exposed areas, such as the face, the neck, ears, etc, it is by no means always the case. Skin cancers can develop anywhere on the body, including places you might not even think of, such as the soles of the feet, genitals and underneath your nails. This is why it is so important to perform regular and thorough self- examination to check for moles and any changes in your skin. I would also suggest getting your moles professionally checked in a clinic with a GP or Specialist such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon with special interest in skin cancer, to make sure you know how to check your skin and that of your family properly.
Many basal cell and squamous cell cancers are very treatable, but if a melanoma is found late, it may have spread to other areas in the body, including lymph nodes and organs. This is why early detection, along with good sun care, is so important. We have great results with treatments now, but it is better to maximise your chances of early detection and manageable treatment by being aware of changes in your skin and seeking medical advice as soon as you notice anything unusual. I would suggest an annual professional mole check along with regular self checks at home.
While the thought of skin cancer can cause concern, it is important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a much better prognosis for the patient, and the advancements in the management of skin cancer have led to significant improvements in the potential outcome for those affected.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and, because being sun smart is important in reducing the risk of skin damage from UV rays, download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
There are a lot of inaccurate beliefs out there about skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While many people are aware of the disease today, they are unsure of how it can develop, and are perhaps unaware of how they can protect themselves and their families. Myths and misinformation are of no help either, and being aware of what is true and relevant when it comes to skin cancer is very important.
Here, we look at some commonly held ideas about skin cancer and reveal the truth behind them.
This is a commonly-held belief but one that is not correct. People with darker skin tones often think, because they tan easily and don’t visibly burn, that there is no need to protect their skin. Their skin is darker because they produce more melanin, which does help to protect skin, but they can still develop skin cancer.
Often people with paler skin are more mindful and apply more sunscreen because they know they burn easily, which of course is both visible and painful! However, darker skin is also at risk of skin cancer so everyone needs to be sun smart and vigilant with SPF application and sheltering from strong sun too.
Whether it is from a sunbed or from the sun itself, getting a ‘base tan’ before you go on holidays will not protect your skin from UV rays. In fact, it is almost the complete opposite. A tan is a sign of skin damage. Your skin cells have responded to the UV rays and have produced more melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from the harmful UV. You may have heard it before but it is worth repeating: there is no such thing as a safe tan - and getting a tan before heading off on a beach holiday is most definitely not of any benefit.
While it is true that skin cancers tend to develop in exposed areas, such as the face, the neck, ears, etc, it is by no means always the case. Skin cancers can develop anywhere on the body, including places you might not even think of, such as the soles of the feet, genitals and underneath your nails. This is why it is so important to perform regular and thorough self- examination to check for moles and any changes in your skin. I would also suggest getting your moles professionally checked in a clinic with a GP or Specialist such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon with special interest in skin cancer, to make sure you know how to check your skin and that of your family properly.
Many basal cell and squamous cell cancers are very treatable, but if a melanoma is found late, it may have spread to other areas in the body, including lymph nodes and organs. This is why early detection, along with good sun care, is so important. We have great results with treatments now, but it is better to maximise your chances of early detection and manageable treatment by being aware of changes in your skin and seeking medical advice as soon as you notice anything unusual. I would suggest an annual professional mole check along with regular self checks at home.
While the thought of skin cancer can cause concern, it is important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a much better prognosis for the patient, and the advancements in the management of skin cancer have led to significant improvements in the potential outcome for those affected.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and, because being sun smart is important in reducing the risk of skin damage from UV rays, download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
