Skin cancer

Cases of malignant melanoma have more than quadrupled in the last 30 years. Cancer Research UK states there were 16,602 cases of malignant melanoma and over 151,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in 2015-17. Whilst it is good news that skin cancer survival rates have improved over this period, there are still a significant number of deaths from melanoma skin cancer every year.

Different types of skin cancer present different skin cancer symptoms but it is important to remember whatever the type of skin cancer, early detection is important.

Being familiar with your skin, i.e. how it looks and feels, is important in identifying the symptoms of skin cancer early.

Non-melanoma skin cancer signs

Most people commonly think of abnormal moles but non-melanoma skin cancer can take several forms. Signs to look out for include:

• A white, red or pink lump that doesn’t disappear after four weeks
• Discoloured patches on the skin that don’t heal after four weeks
• A scaly or crusty patch of skin that doesn’t heal after four weeks
• A sore or scab or ulcer that bleeds, hurts or itches and hasn’t healed after four weeks
• An ulcer that doesn’t heal

Melanoma skin cancer - symptoms and mole checking 

You may have some moles or dark patches on your skin that are flat or slightly raised. Usually, these will remain harmless all your life. However, moles or localised patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour over weeks or months in adult life should be further investigated. 

There are some clear signs that a mole could be a melanoma. You should get your moles checked by your GP or a skin cancer specialist if you notice any of the following skin changes:

• Changing shape, particularly getting an irregular outline 
• Changing colour, getting darker, becoming patchy or multi-shaded
• An existing mole getting bigger or a new mole growing quickly
• If a mole starts to itch or become painful 
• If a mole is bleeding becoming crusty and/or looks inflamed 

A number of changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer including:

• Avoid over exposure to the sun
• Avoid the use of sunbeds
• Wear a hat or protective clothing to protect your head, face, neck and shoulders
• Apply a high-factor 4star + rated, waterproof sunscreen every two hours
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection
• Move into the shade from 11.00hrs -15.00hrs when UV is strongest
• You can read our Skin Health brochure by clicking here to find out more about your skin cancer risk, and how to reduce your risk.
• Consider regular skin screening

Malignant Melanoma is rare but is the most serious skin cancer. Left untreated, it can spread in the body and can eventually be fatal.

Malignant melanoma is disproportionately high in younger people, but they also have the highest probability of longer-term survival from the disease. According to Cancer Research UK, five-year skin cancer survival rates are highest in the 15-39 age group for patients diagnosed between 2009-2013.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is much more common than malignant melanoma. It is usually detected at a much earlier stage and is less likely to be life-threatening. Accurate statistics about non-melanoma skin cancer are difficult to obtain as cases of this type are often dealt with in local clinics.