May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to educating people about early skin cancer detection and prevention.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It can be classified as melanoma and non-melanoma – non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) can also be further separated as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) based on the type of cell in which the cancer originates. Melanoma is a cancer that develops in the skin’s melanocytes, or the skin cells located near the bottom layer of the epidermis that produce melanin. Skin cancer can occur when skin is damaged by sun rays or other sources of ultraviolet radiation, such as tanning equipment.
A history of severe sunburn can increase skin cancer risk. Other risk factors include family history, chemical exposure, and immunodeficiency.
Skin cancer is common but highly preventable through proper sun safety – raising awareness can prevent it and help reduce its incidence.
Reports for 2022 showed that 9,000 Canadians may be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, leading to at least 1,200 deaths.
There are three main types of skin cancer — melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Other less common types include Merkel cell skin cancer, skin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Here are some common skin cancer signs and symptoms to watch out for.
It forms on skin exposed to the sun. Symptoms include:
It appears as firm pink or red nodules. It can also develop as a rough, scaly, or itchy lesion or sore that may bleed or become crusty.
Melanoma can form anywhere, including the eyes and internal organs, and spread to other body parts. It can appear as an irregular brown patch or bump. A mole that bleeds or changes in size or color can be a melanoma. Dark lesions on mucous membranes or skin may also indicate melanoma.
Non-melanoma skin cancer appears as small, scaly, tan, or red spots on skin exposed to the sun.
Skin cancer awareness is increasing worldwide. However, more awareness campaigns are required to highlight sun protection measures, preventive care, and early screening.
Here are some steps you can follow:
Skin cancer screening is suggested for high-risk individuals. However, patients can consult dermatologists or conduct self-exams. To promote this, Canada offers skin cancer screening apps to detect skin changes early. If a patient notices symptoms or the ABCDEs of skin cancer, screening and testing must be done immediately.
Join the MDBriefCase community for free and explore courses on subungual melanoma, melanoma in people with skin of colour, and non-melanoma skin cancer to gain knowledge and spread awareness.
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