From a discoloured patch on the skin to a mole that has changed in appearance, would you spot the signs of skin cancer?
According to a new survey, carried out by the British Association of Dermatologists, more than three-quarters would not recognise warning signs of the disease.
And the majority of British people do not carry out the monthly checks recommended by dermatologists, experts warned.
The poll found 81 per cent of people said they do not feel confident they could recognise signs of a non-melanoma skin cancer.
More than three-quarters would not recognise warning signs of skin cancer, according to a new survey. Dermatologist warn many people ‘bury their heads in the sand’ over the threat posed by the disease
This type of cancer is characterised by the appearance of a lump or discoloured patch on the skin that doesn't heal, most often appearing on the face, ears, hands and shoulders.
Here, we reveal the signs and symptoms of different types of skin cancer...
BASAL CELL CANCERS
Skin cancer can come in the form of a basal cell cancer (BCC), sometimes called a rodent ulcer.
The disease affects the bottom of the epidermis, the outermost layers of cells in the skin.
Signs and symptoms of BCCs, include a growth that:
- looks smooth and pearly
- appears waxy
- appears as a firm, red lump
- sometimes bleed
- develops a crust or scab
- begins to heal but never completely heal
- is itchy
- looks like a flat, red spot that is scaly and crusty
- develops into a painless ulcer
A basal cell carcinoma, pictured here, may be smooth and pearly, look waxy, be itchy and sometimes bleed
Around 75 per cent of all skin cancers are BCCs, which are typically slow-growing and almost never spread to other parts of the body.
If treated at an early stage, this form of skin cancer is usually completely cured.
But, some BCCs are more aggressive, and if left to grow, they may spread into the deeper layers of the skin and into the bones, which can make treatment more difficult.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Another form of non-melanoma, skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the keratinocyte cells, in the outer layer of the skin.
They are mainly found on the face, neck, bald scalps, arms, backs of hands and lower legs.
Squamous cell cancers, the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK, may:
- look scaly
- have a hard, crusty cap
- make the skin raised in the area of the cancer
- feel tender to touch
- bleed sometimes
A squamous cell carcinoma, pictured here, may look scaly, have a hard, crusty cap and feel tender to touch
MELANOMA
The poll also revealed, 77 per cent of respondents said they do not feel confident they could recognise the signs of a melanoma - the most deadliest form of skin cancer.
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but they most commonly appear on the back, legs, arms and face and even underneath a nail.
Though less common, they often spread to other organs in the body, making them more deadly.
The most common sign is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
Signs to look out for include a mole that is:
- getting bigger
- changing shape
- changing colour
- bleeding or becoming crusty
- itchy or painful
A helpful way to tell the difference between a normal mole and a melanoma is the ABCDE checklist:
Asymmetrical – melanomas have two very different halves and are an irregular shape.
Border – melanomas have a notched or ragged border.
Colours – melanomas will be a mix of two or more colours.
Diameter – melanomas are larger than 6mm (1/4 inch) in diameter.
Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma.
Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is detected by the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole
SUNBURN: THE DANGERS
The research, carried out by the British Association of Dermatologists, also revealed 72 per cent of people admitted having been sunburned in the previous year, a figure experts described as 'shocking'.
More than 2,000 people in the UK die from skin cancer each year.
People underestimate the damage caused by sunburn, Jonathon Major of the British Association of Dermatologists warned.
'Almost three-quarters of people we surveyed admitted that they had been sunburned in the last year, which is shocking,' he said.
Dermatologists say it is possible to enjoy warm weather while staying safe
'With sunny days already making an appearance in parts of the UK, it is likely that this figure will remain high this year.
'This is a reflection of poor sun protection habits - people underestimate the damage that sunburn can do to their skin, and many think that skin reddening is just a harmless part of the tanning process, rather than a sure sign that you have damaged your skin irreparably.'
The research, carried out last summer, surveyed 1,018 people and found 84 per cent were worried about skin cancer in the UK climate.
People who have been sunburned before are doubly at risk of developing melanoma than those who have not been burnt.
SUN AWARENESS WEEK
Today marks the beginning of Sun Awareness Week, which aims to inform people of the dangers of the sun and how to protect themselves.
Charlotte Proby, a professor of dermatology in Dundee, and chairwoman of the British Association of Dermatologist's Skin Cancer Prevention Committee said: '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.
'Many people in the UK are aware of the dangers; however, this has yet to translate into a culture of sun protection and skin checking which would do a lot to curb the incidence and deaths from this disease.
'As summer comes around again we want people to consider the message that you can enjoy the warm weather whilst staying safe.'
Last month experts warned that nearly 50 people in the UK are dying of skin cancer every year after being exposed to the sun while at work, in industries such as construction, agriculture and leisure and entertainment.
A separate study, also commissioned by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, looked at work attitudes to sun safety in the construction sector, and found that two-thirds of workers who spent an average of nearly seven hours a day thought they were not at risk or were unsure if they were.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3067076/Revealed-tell-skin-cancer-bleeding-itchy-moles-flat-red-spots-symptoms-watch-for.html#ixzz3ZB4tJnOi
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