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With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in Ireland, awareness of the disease, its causes and its prevention is growing. For example, most people know that sun exposure is a major cause of skin cancer and protecting skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is very important to help minimise the chance of developing the disease.
However, it is a complicated disease and the symptoms or signs of skin cancer can vary quite significantly, so it pays to be armed with information on what to look for when it comes to you and your family’s skin.
Firstly, there are in fact a number of types of skin cancer: the common and quite treatable non- melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and the more serious melanoma. Non-melanoma cancers don’t tend to spread but it is wise to know what to look for. Keep in mind that cancers don’t just appear on areas that are exposed to the sun, which is why it is important to regularly check the skin all over your body.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and develops at the base of the skin’s epidermis or outer layer. Usually found on areas exposed to the sun, such as the back of the neck, the face, tops of ears, etc, it can cause a waxy bump on the skin or a brown, scar-like lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also tends to appear in areas that have had a lot of sun exposure and looks like a scaly or red lump.
While the above are the most common characteristics of these forms of skin cancer, they are not the only ones. Skin cancers do not all look the same. They can appear as a small lump, a flat red spot, a lesion that won’t heal, a rough scaly patch or a lump that is sore or tender to touch.
Melanoma is the more serious form of skin cancer and often develops from melanin or pigment- heavy areas such as a mole. They often appear on the face or the torso. If a mole is irregular in shape, darkens or changes shape or colour, it is important to get it checked by your GP. The same thing applies if you have a mole that is crusting or bleeding. Your doctor may then refer you to a skin cancer specialist if the area in question needs investigation.
With all cancers, early detection is very important. You can perform checks at home or undergo skin cancer screenings. Remember, if you are in any way concerned about any moles, new bumps or marks, or any changes in your skin, talk to your family GP. Never feel embarrassed or afraid to do so, because it is always better to get these things checked to put your mind at rest.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in Ireland, awareness of the disease, its causes and its prevention is growing. For example, most people know that sun exposure is a major cause of skin cancer and protecting skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is very important to help minimise the chance of developing the disease.
However, it is a complicated disease and the symptoms or signs of skin cancer can vary quite significantly, so it pays to be armed with information on what to look for when it comes to you and your family’s skin.
Firstly, there are in fact a number of types of skin cancer: the common and quite treatable non- melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and the more serious melanoma. Non-melanoma cancers don’t tend to spread but it is wise to know what to look for. Keep in mind that cancers don’t just appear on areas that are exposed to the sun, which is why it is important to regularly check the skin all over your body.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and develops at the base of the skin’s epidermis or outer layer. Usually found on areas exposed to the sun, such as the back of the neck, the face, tops of ears, etc, it can cause a waxy bump on the skin or a brown, scar-like lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also tends to appear in areas that have had a lot of sun exposure and looks like a scaly or red lump.
While the above are the most common characteristics of these forms of skin cancer, they are not the only ones. Skin cancers do not all look the same. They can appear as a small lump, a flat red spot, a lesion that won’t heal, a rough scaly patch or a lump that is sore or tender to touch.
Melanoma is the more serious form of skin cancer and often develops from melanin or pigment- heavy areas such as a mole. They often appear on the face or the torso. If a mole is irregular in shape, darkens or changes shape or colour, it is important to get it checked by your GP. The same thing applies if you have a mole that is crusting or bleeding. Your doctor may then refer you to a skin cancer specialist if the area in question needs investigation.
With all cancers, early detection is very important. You can perform checks at home or undergo skin cancer screenings. Remember, if you are in any way concerned about any moles, new bumps or marks, or any changes in your skin, talk to your family GP. Never feel embarrassed or afraid to do so, because it is always better to get these things checked to put your mind at rest.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
