Articles skin cancer prevention

Skin Cancer

Learn about skin cancer types, symptoms, causes and prevention.

FEATURED  |  SKIN CANCER  |  MELANOMA

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 3 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. every year1, while over 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK.2 According to World Cancer Research Fund International’s skin cancer statistics, in 2018 Australia had the highest rate of melanoma, followed by New Zealand.3

Learn more about signs of skin cancer
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Facts About Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

The facts and the latest statistics on skin cancer rates globally.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer. The two most common skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), which are often referred to as being non-melanoma skin cancers.

Melanoma is a less common, but more serious type because it is much more prone to spread to other tissues and organs.

basal cell skin carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

squamous cell skin carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma

five basal cell cancer types pictures
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Basal Cell Carcinoma

This guide on basal cell carcinoma will explain bcc symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention and give you an idea of what main types of basal cell carcinoma might look like.

Skin Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Skin cancer usually starts as a change in the skin such as a new or changed lesion.

Most common symptoms are: 4

  • a smooth and pearly bump (basal cell carcinoma – BCC)
  • a sore that (bleeds or) doesn’t heal (basal cell carcinoma – BCC)
  • basal cell carcinoma (BCC) grows slowly over months to years
  • thickened or red bumps on any part of the skin, but usually on sun-exposed skin (squamous cell carcinoma – SCC)
  • squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) enlarges over weeks to months
  • a change in size, shape or colour of a mole (melanoma)
  • a new pigmented lesion on the skin (melanoma)

Skin Cancer Pictures

Skin cancer mostly appears as a spot being different to surrounding skin, as a new and “odd-looking” spot or mark, or as an unusual change in the already existing spot.

If you notice anything on your skin that looks strange, take it seriously and get it checked by your doctor without delay. Don’t try to self-diagnose or compare your skin to skin cancer images found online. Those images should only be used for informational purposes, as an example of what skin cancer might look like.

six skin cancer types
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Skin Cancer Pictures: What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

This gallery of skin cancer images will give you an idea of what skin cancers might look like.

Skin Cancer Causes & Risks

Skin cancer affects many people, although the risk is greater in individuals who have:

  • a light skin tone, blond or red hair
  • blue or green eyes
  • an older age
  • a personal or family history of skin cancer
  • many moles or unusually looking moles
  • have had extensive exposure to the sun in their lifetime
  • used UV tanning beds or have been severely sunburned one or more times

Skin Cancer Diagnosis, Stages & Treatment

If you notice any mole or spot on your skin that is new, changing or concerns you in any other way, see your doctor to get your skin checked. After the skin examination, your doctor will decide whether you need further assessment or treatment.

The cure rate is higher and treatment is more likely to be successful if skin cancer is found and treated early. That’s why it may be a good investment to regularly check your skin and moles for any changes or new lesions.

If not treated in time, some types of skin cancer may gradually spread to other parts of the body. A very important factor in evaluating treatment options is determining the skin cancer’s stage which shows how far the cancer has spread.

Skin cancer treatment options will vary, depending on the type, size or location of the skin cancer.5

SKIN CANCER PREVENTION

Factors that increase the chance of developing cancer are called risk factors.

We can, however, take some actions to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer in the future:

  • use protective hats, clothing and sunglasses when you’re outside – especially when it’s sunny
  • try to limit your time in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm
  • avoid UV tanning beds
  • use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
  • seek shade when the sun is overhead and your shadow is shortest
  • be extra cautious near water, snow, sand or concrete which reflect the sun’s rays
  • check your skin for any changes on a regular basis
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Skin Check: General Info about Medical- and Self-Exams

Skin cancer usually starts as a new spot or a change to the skin. Learn how to do a skin self exam.

References:

1 https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer
2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/
3 https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/skin-cancer-statistics
4 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/skin-cancer/understanding-cancer/signs-symptoms-skin-cancer.html
5 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377608