10 skin cancer facts
In this article, we will describe 10 skin cancer facts.
Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun. But it develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women.
But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day – your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.
1. Definition. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. It occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
2. Who gets it? Sunburn significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence doubles the likelihood of developing melanoma later in life. People with fair skin, light hair, and light-coloured eyes are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer because they have less melanin, which provides some natural protection against UV radiation.
3. Risk factors
- Fair skin. If you have blond or red hair and light-coloured eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you are much more likely to develop skin cancer than is a person with darker skin.
- A history of sunburn. Having had one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teenager increases your risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. Sunburns in adulthood also are a risk factor.
- Excessive sun exposure. Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun may develop skin cancer, especially if the skin is not protected by sunscreen or clothing. Tanning, including exposure to tanning lamps and beds, also puts you at risk. A tan is your skin’s injury response to excessive UV radiation.
- Sunny or high-altitude climate. People who live in sunny, warm climates are exposed to more sunlight than are people who live in colder climates. Living at higher elevations, where the sunlight is strongest, also exposes you to more radiation.
- Moles. People who have many moles or abnormal moles called dysplastic naevi are at increased risk of skin cancer. These abnormal moles – which look irregular and are generally larger than normal moles – are more likely than others to become cancerous. If you have a history of abnormal moles, watch them regularly for changes.
Dysplastic naevi - Precancerous skin lesions. Having skin lesions known as actinic (solar) keratoses can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. These precancerous skin growths typically appear as rough, scaly patches that range in colour from brown to dark pink. The are most common on the face, head and hands of fair-skinned people whose skin has been sun damaged.
Actinic (solar) keratoses - A family history of skin cancer. If one of your parents or a sibling has had skin cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease.
- A personal history of skin cancer. If you developed skin cancer once, you are at risk of developing it again.
- A weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS and those taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant.
- Exposure to radiation. People who received radiation treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and acne may have an increased risk of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma.
4. Types. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are the most common and have high cure rates if detected and treated early, whilst melanoma is less common but more aggressive.
5. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
These usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, especially on the face, near the eye, ear or nose. Basal cell carcinoma may appear as:
- A pearly or waxy bump
- A flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion
- A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns.
6. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Most often, squamous cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, ears and hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas that are not often exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:
- A firm, red nodule
- A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
7. Melanoma
Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that has not been exposed to the sun.
Melanoma can affect people of any skin tone. In people with darker skin tones, melanoma tends to occur on the palms or soles, or under the fingernails or toenails.
Melanoma signs include:
- A large brownish spot with darker speckles
- A mole that changes in colour, size or feel or that bleeds
- A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-black
- A painful lesion that itches or burns
- Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anus.
8. UV radiation. This can still be harmful even on cloudy or cool days. It can penetrate clouds, and snow, water, and sand can reflect and intensify UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
9. Sunscreen. Regularly using sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. It is important to apply it generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
10. Outlook (prognosis). Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
5-year survival rates after BCC is close to 100%, and some estimates even suggest that BCC is associated with better survival than population controls. In contrast, 5 year survival with SCC is closer to 90%.
The five-year survival rate for melanoma is also around 90%; but 99% when diagnosed at an early localised stage. However, the survival rate drops significantly if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Remember, if you have concerns about skin cancer or notice any suspicious changes on your skin, consult your doctor. If they are not sure, you need to see a skin specialist called a dermatologist.
Summary
We have described 10 facts about skin cancer. We hope it has been helpful.
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