Skin Cancer

1. What is skin cancer? Skin cancer is a disease of the cells in the skin. Skin cancer causes cells to divide too rapidly and grow without order.

2. What is the most common form of skin cancer? Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. 80% of all new cases of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma.

3. What areas are most affected by the type of cancer in question 2? The head and neck, along with areas that receive a lot of sun exposure.

4. What does basal cell carcinoma look like? The appearance of this type of skin cancer can vary. It is usually recognized by a reddish patch, shiny bump, or a sore that doesn’t heal well.

5. What is the cure rate of squamous cell cancer and what does it look like? Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a scaly lump or patch and has a sore in the middle. This type of skin cancer has a 90% cure rate if found early.

6. What type of cancer is the deadliest form of skin cancer and where can it develop on the body? Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and it can develop anywhere on the body. Out of the 40 000 people who develop melanoma over 10 000 will die.

7. Why do you think women are more likely to develop melanoma? Women have a tendency to tan more often than men. Another risk factor for women is that many are using some form of a birth control pill which increases their risk of severe sun burns.

8. What is the ABCDE rule? List the steps for each letter. The ABCDE rule is used to help guide people in recognizing the warning signs that a mole may be cancerous.

The ABCDEs of cancer Asymmetry The shape on one side is different than the other side.

Border The border of visible edge is irregular, ragged and imprecise. ABC’s Of Skin Cancer Border The border of visible edge is irregular, ragged and imprecise.

ABC’s Of Skin Cancer Colour There is a colour variation with brown, black, red, grey or white areas within the lesion

ABC’s Of Skin Cancer Diameter The growth of the diameter or width is common in malignant melanomas.

ABC’s Of Skin Cancer Evolution There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding) or colour. Sometimes referred to as enlargement.

9. What percentage of skin cancer is caused by overexposure to the sun? 80% of all skin cancers are caused from sun overexposure.

10. How many blistering sunburns do you need to have increased risk of developing skin cancer? One or two blistering sunburns before the age of 18 will increase your risk of skin cancer.

11. Is cotton a good fabric to wear in the sun? Cotton only has an SPF of about 4 and offers no protection when wet so it is not a great choice. New tech clothing can offer a much higher SPF.

12. What body reaction is caused by UVA rays? UVA rays will activate the melanocytes causing them to produce more melanin to protect the skin. This is what we call a tan.

13. How often should teenagers visit a dermatologist? Starting in your teens you should see a dermatologist at least once a year for a full body skin examination.

The early warning signs to look for are: A firm, flesh coloured or slightly reddish bump, often with a pearly border.  It may have small blood vessels on the surface which gives it a red colour. A sore or pimple-like growth that bleeds, crusts over and then reappears.  Any sore that does not heal within four weeks should be examined by your dermatologist. A small, red scaling patch seen most often on the trunk or limbs.