Skin cancer: screening

Importance of early detection

• Examining your skin regularly is key to early detection.
• The earlier a skin cancer is detected, the higher the chances of a full recovery.
• While most skin cancers (basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas) are not serious, melanoma (black tumour) is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
• Skin cancer that is diagnosed quickly can be surgically treated relatively easily.

Importance of early detection

• Examining your skin regularly is key to early detection.
• The earlier a skin cancer is detected, the higher the chances of a full recovery.
• While most skin cancers (basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas) are not serious, melanoma (black tumour) is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
• Skin cancer that is diagnosed quickly can be surgically treated relatively easily.

Melanoma

Malignant melanoma develops when cells that produce the pigment responsible for tanning, called melanocytes, degenerate. These cells are the source of malignant tumours, which are generally dark brown or black in colour. If detected late, melanoma is unfortunately often fatal because it spreads so quickly.

Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or, more commonly, appear on healthy skin anywhere on the body.

Suspicious marks – changes

Learning how to look for suspicious marks improves early detection of skin cancer and increases the chances of recovery.

• If you notice an unusual patch on your skin or have any doubts, contact a dermatologist.

Identify changes

• Change in size, shape or colour
• One spot which is different from the others,
• asymmetrical,
• rough texture,
• more than one colour,
• itchy,
• bleeding or oozing,
• pearly appearance,
• wound that is not healing properly.

Monitor

• Get into the habit of looking closely at your skin once a month.
• Examine your whole body, front and back, ideally using a long mirror. We all have marks on our skin.