About skin cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and the number of people being diagnosed is growing.
Every year more than 86,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the UK, and around 2,300 people die from the condition. The most common cause of skin cancer is exposure to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is found in the sun and sunbeds. Protecting your skin from these harmful rays is really important in helping to prevent skin cancer.
What happens when you get burnt?
UV rays damage the skin’s cells, which mean they are at risk of becoming cancerous. You can’t feel UV damaging your skin, and it happens even when the sun doesn’t feel hot.
Getting sunburnt damages the top layers of your skin, making it hot, red and painful. Severe sunburn can lead to swelling and blisters.
It is the damage that you do to your skin when you are young than increases your risk of getting skin cancer. Some experts believe that getting badly burnt just once before you’re 20 can double your chance of getting malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Noticing the signs of skin cancer
The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat so it’s important to look out for changes to your skin that could be a sign of cancer. Most people have moles or dark patches on their skin and normally these will be harmless. However, if they change, this can be a sign of skin cancer.
Look out for any of the following changes and if you notice anything unusual, visit your doctor.
Moles:
- The two halves of your mole look different
- The edges of your mole are irregular, blurred or jagged
- There is more than one colour/shade in your mole
- Your mole is wider than 6mm in diameter
Skin: * A new growth or sore that won’t heal * A spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts * A mole or growth that bleeds, is crusty or forms a scab