Summer is just around the corner in Australia, which means longer days, balmy nights and more time in the sun. Although you should be wearing SPF 50 everyday to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, the warmer months are when you are more often exposed to the sunlight. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful rays increases the risk of skin cancer dramatically. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers and not all skin cancers are the same. There are four common types of skin cancers:
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells in the epidermis. Although this type of skin cancer is generally treatable and not life-threatening, it can be aggressive and spread to other areas of the body if not treated correctly. A squamous cell carcinoma usually presents as a red nodule or a flat sore that is rough, scaly and doesn’t heal over time.
Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells which is a type of cell in the skin that produces new cells as the old ones die off. Basal carcinoma commonly presents itself as a transparent bump or a brown/black lesion that does not go away and occurs to areas of the skin that have had the most exposure to the sun. Basal cell carcinomas are generally caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
Merkel cell carcinoma appear as flesh-colored or red moles that grow surprisingly fast. Merkel cell carcinomas usually thrive on patches of the skin constantly exposed to sunlight, including the face, shoulders, and scalp.
Melanoma is the most serious of the four cancers and develops in the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour). Unfortunately, Melanoma can be life threatening and is increasing in people under 40 years of age. A change in a mole or a growth on the skin is usually how melanoma develops and presents itself. A ‘normal’ mole is generally tan or brown in colour and has a smooth surface, with many appearing in childhood. A change in appearance of moles over time is quite common, so it is important to always have regular skin checks to ensure these changes aren’t something more sinister like melanoma. Melanoma can be hidden in very unexpected areas, like the mouth, eye or under toenails or fingernails. The risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40. In Australia, men are twice as likely to die from melanoma than women.
Skin cancer doesn't discriminate, however there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Factors include:
UV rays from the sun can cause long term damage to your skin in under 10 minutes. Sun protection is absolutely necessary in Australia. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 50 and wearing protective clothing, like a long sleeved shirt, a hat and sunglasses can all help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
It is also very important to have regular skin checks with skin specialist and to be always monitoring any change in moles.
