My attention has been recently drawn to the work of the national skin cancer charity Skcin which specialises in the prevention and early detection of skin cancer (link opens in new tab).
A recent article in "Professional Beauty" by the Chief Executive of SKcin, Marie Tudor, mentions some of the signs and symptoms that one should watch for and if found, then an early contact with your GP is essential.
This list is by no means comprehensive and I would remind you all that I am not a medical doctor! The following is taken from the article by Marie Tudor in "Professional Beauty" and is repeated here in good faith:
Basal Cell and squamous cell carcinoma is collectively known as non-melanoma skin cancer and is the most common form. Signs and symptoms include:
Sore or rough patch of reddish, irritated skin that isn't healing
Pearly, pinkish or skin-coloured lump or nodule (can also be tan, brown or black)
Pink growth with a rolled, elevated border and/ or crusted centre
White, yellow or waxy scar-like area
A wart-like growth or hard, white or skin-coloured lumps
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin. Around 70% of cases will appear as a new mole and the remaining 30% in an existing mole or freckle that changes in appearance.
The ABCDE of melanoma is used to help identify 70% of cases:
A = Asymmetry, when one half of the mole looks different to the other
B = Border, where the borders are irregular or have undefined edges
C = Colour, when the colour varies within the mole
D = Diameter, when the largest diameter is greater than 6mm
E = Evolution, changes to the mole's size, shape, colour, surface or sensation.
The website mentioned in the link at the top of this short article contains much invaluable information on the subject of skin cancer and contains many hints and tips on how to best care for your skin.
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