The UK is basking in 30C temperatures this weekend - and many will be aiming to top up their tans. While it is possible to sunbathe responsibly with high factor sun creams - many will already have done a lot of damage to their skin, both as adults and children.
Repeated sunburn, either by the sun or artificial sources of light, will make your skin more vulnerable skin cancer. A health warning has been issued by the government and Met Office for most of England for this weekend. The yellow heat-health alertmeans that the NHS is set to come under serious pressure as those with underlying health conditions potentially will need treatment.
The warning has been issued for seven regions of England - and is in place from 9am on Friday until 9am on Monday June 26 with temperatures expected to soar above 32C.
Skin cancer is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide and is the 13th most common cancer in men - here is how to spot the warning signs
There were more than 150,000 new cases of melanoma of skin in 2020. According to one doctor there are five key red flags to watch for - and catching the disease early is crucial. It can grow from the tiniest of starts - earlier this month Khloe Kardashian described how a “tiny little dot” on her face that she thought was acne was actually melanoma skin cancer.
“I have done one biopsy on this bump that I just assumed was a zit, turns out it’s not a zit,” she said during a recent episode of The Kardashians. “It’s melanoma and for my age, it’s incredibly rare.”
Top five key areas to consider when checking for and preventing skin cancer according to doctors at the NHS.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are two main types of skin cancer: Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
These cancers have a high cure rate and can be managed surgically or non-surgically. Melanomas start in cells known as melanocytes and are less common but more serious than non-melanoma skin cancers. These have the potential to spread and can be fatal. These are managed surgically.
Skin cancers tend to occur in sun-damaged skin.
Symptoms
Non-Melanoma:
The primary symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer typically manifests as a persistent lump or discolored patch on the skin, which may endure for weeks, gradually progressing over months or even years. These areas may exhibit characteristics such as non-healing sores, unusual appearance, pain, itchiness, bleeding, or the formation of crusts or scabs lasting beyond four weeks.
Awareness of any changes in your skin’s normal appearance is crucial to identify potential skin cancers early. Look out for changes in the appearance of new moles or changes in existing moles, irregular shapes or borders, uneven colors, larger size than a pea ( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Melanoma:
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body. The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. This can happen anywhere on the body, but the back, legs, arms and face are most commonly affected.
In most cases, melanomas have an irregular shape and more than 1 colour. They may also be larger than normal moles and can sometimes be itchy or bleed. The key indicator of melanoma, is the emergence of a new mole or alterations in existing moles.
Signs to watch for include changes in color, size, outline, or the occurrence of bleeding, raised surfaces, or crustiness.
Individuals with multiple moles, a family history of skin cancer, a history of sunburns, sunbed use, or engagement in outdoor sports like sailing, surfing, windsurfing, golf, or tennis face elevated risks.
An ‘ABCDE checklist’ has been developed for people to tell the difference between a normal mole and a melanoma
A - asymmetrical
This refers to the shape of the mole. Melanomas are likely to have an uneven shape. The two halves of the area may be different shapes (asymmetrical).
Normal moles usually have a more even shape and the two halves are similar (symmetrical)
B - border
This refers to the edges of the mole. Melanomas are more likely to have irregular edges (border) that might be blurred or jagged. Normal moles usually have a smooth, regular border.
C - colour
This refers to the colour of the mole. Melanomas are often an uneven colour and contain more than one shade. The melanoma might have different shades of black, brown and pink. Normal moles usually have an even colour.
D - diameter
This refers to how wide the mole is. Most melanomas are more than 6mm wide. Normal moles are usually about the size of the end of a pencil or smaller.
E - evolving
Evolving means changing. Melanomas might change in size, shape or colour. Or you might notice other changes such as a mole bleeding, itching or becoming crusty.
Normal moles usually stay the same size, shape, and colour.
Non-melanoma skin cancers commonly appear on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, shoulders, upper chest, and back ( Image: Getty Images)
Protection and Prevention
Wearing sunscreen is crucial, even on overcast days, as harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds. Opt for broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts, can provide additional defense against harmful UV radiation. Being aware of non-melanoma skin cancers, their early warning signs, and the importance of protection and prevention is vital for maintaining skin health.
Regular self-examination, prompt medical consultation for suspicious moles or skin changes, and practicing sun-safe habits can be crucial in spotting the signs early.
