British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is organising Sun Awareness Week 2015 from 4th-10th May in the UK and as a part of the awareness campaign, it carried out a survey wherein it was found that nearly a quarter of Britons have been sunburned last year, which significantly raises the risk of melanoma – the less common, but dangerous form of skin cancer. The other form is non-melanoma.
As a part of the awareness drive, BAD has provided simple signs using which people can check for signs of skin cancer themselves. The association has provided simple ABCDE rules using which you can detect changes to your skin that might indicate a ‘melanoma’.
Asymmetry – the two halves of the area may differ in shape
Border – the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches
Colour – this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen
Diameter – most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor.
Expert – if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS
As skin cancers vary, you should tell your doctor about any changes to your skin, even if they are not similar to those mentioned here.
Non-melanoma skin cancers
Though this form of skin cancer can occur on any part of the body, it is most common on areas of skin that are most often exposed to the sun such as your head, neck, lips, ears, and the backs of your hands. They can also appear where the skin has been damaged by X-rays, and on old scars, ulcers, burns and persistent wounds.
Non-melanoma skin cancers vary greatly in what they look like. They tend to appear gradually on the skin, and slowly get bigger over time. They will not go away on their own without treatment. Some possible signs include:
- A scab or sore that won’t heal. It may also bleed occasionally
- A scaly or crusty patch of skin that looks red or inflamed
- A flesh coloured, pearly lump that won’t go away and appears to be growing in size
- A lump on the skin which is getting bigger and that may be scabby
- A growth with a pearly rim surrounding a central crater, a bit like an upturned volcano
More on the Survey
Marking the beginning of the Sun Awareness Week on Monday, the British Association of Dermatologists carried out a survey of over 1000 Brits and found that nearly three quarters of them (72 per cent) were sunburned last year thereby doubling their risk of skin cancer.
The survey, which saw responses from 1,018 people, also found that 96 per cent people fail to check their skin the recommended once a month for skin cancer, and more than 77 per cent would not recognise signs of the disease.
“Rising skin cancer rates are a major health concern for the UK, and some dermatology departments are stretched to capacity trying to keep up with cases”, said Charlotte Proby, Professor of Dermatology at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, and Chair of the British Association of Dermatologists’ Skin Cancer Prevention Committee.
“As summer comes around again we want people to consider the message that you can enjoy the warm weather whilst staying safe, Proby appealed.
- 84 per cent are worried about skin cancer in the UK climate
- 88 per cent don’t think skin cancer is any easier to remove than other cancers
- 95 per cent know skin cancer rates in the UK are still rising
- 40 per cent never check their skin for signs of skin cancer; 36 per cent check their skin infrequently; 6 per cent once a year; 4 per cent once a month and 6% four times a year.
- 77 per cent do not feel confident that they could recognise signs of a melanoma.
- 81 per cent do not feel confident that they could recognise signs of a non-melanoma skin cancer.
