Skin Cancer Infographic For Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the American Skin Cancer Foundation have issued an infographic as a visual communication of the issues surrounding this common yet potentially preventable disease.

Skin cancer is a disease that is caused by growth of abnormal skin cells. DNA damage harms skin cells and allows them to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours. The main types of skin cancer are:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – A flat red patch of skin that bleeds or is painful, or a reddish lump
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – A reddish lump that can bleed and ulcerate
• Melanoma – A dark black, often flat, irregular edge. Very dangerous with high risk of spreading. Easily removed when caught early, but can be fatal when diagnosed/treated late
• Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)

It is one of the most preventable cancers, which is why the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the skin.

6 facts about skin cancer

Skin Cancer Awareness Month are communicating wider understanding of the scale of and the issues:

1. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and worldwide.
2. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
3. Every hour, more than 2 people die of skin cancer.
4. If you catch skin cancer early enough, you can be A-OK
5. Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had more than 5 sunburns
6. Regular daily use of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces your risk of melanoma by 50%.

9 ways you can protect your skin

Prevention is the best course of action. The Skin Cancer Awareness Month campaign suggests

1. Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
2. Don’t get sunburned.
3. Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
4. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
5. Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
6. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
7. Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
8. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
9. See a specialist at least once a year for a professional skin exam

More information:

• Download facts pdf https://www.skincancer.org/download-pdf/
• Types of skin cancer https://www.skincancer.org/blog/back-basics-understanding-worlds-common-cancer/
• More skin cancer facts and research https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/

Mole check advice

Dr Ross Perry at Cosmedics Skin Clinics urges everyone to check regularly for changing moles and to see a doctor straightaway of there are any concerns about the appearance or behaviours of a particular skin lesion. He describes it as the ‘ugly duckling’ syndrome – something that is just different and not quite right.

Dr Perry suggests the ‘ABCDE’ rule of suspicious moles; any of which may indicate that it’s time to see a GP:

• Asymmetry: Different shapes and/or sizes from left to right or top to bottom.
• Borders: Edges look uneven, scalloped or notched rather than smooth
• Colour: Colour variations within a mole, which may include brown, tan, black, red or blue rather than an even colour
• Diameter: If the mole is larger than 6mm, then it is cause for concern.
• Evolving: Any moles which seem to be changing in size, shape, colour or height are deemed risky. Also watch out for itchiness, discharge, bleeding or crustiness.

Most moles do turn out to be ‘cosmetic’ issues rather than a ‘medical’ concern. However, when a mole is found to be suspicious, early treatment tends to lead to the best results. Thankfully most moles turn out to be ‘cosmetic’, but it is important to rule out any issues as early as possible.

Mole Checks By Experienced Doctors & Surgeons

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offers a top to toe mole check/screening appointment for £200 which examines every area of skin – from the top of the scalp to between the toes – to identify any potential issues and make a full log for future reference. This is carried out by trained and experienced doctors or surgeons.

MOLE CHECK

Mole Removal

Even when there is no medical risk, many clients want to get rid of moles for aesthetic reasons or for peace of mind. Dr Perry has removed thousands in his career and Cosmedics Skin Clinic is a leading provider of mole removal procedures in the UK with clinics in London and Bristol, carrying out thousands of procedures to remove unwanted moles for cosmetic reasons.

Consultations and mole removal surgery are carried out by experienced doctors who can remove moles same day using local anaesthetic to make the treatment completely pain-free. The team use the latest methods designed for minimal-scarring results after healing. All moles are sent for independent lab testing as a precaution and the results are sent to the client within a few days.

MOLE REMOVAL

For further information, you may also be interested in Dr Ross Perry Guide to Mole Removal Techniques.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.