Important need-to-know symptoms and signs of skin cancer

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important things you can do for your body.

Eighty-one percent of people have expressed feelings of uncertainty over not knowing the signs of a non-melanoma skin cancer, according to a recent poll made by the British Association of Dermatologists. However, the majority of British people do not attend the recommended monthly checkups with dermatologists as advised.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Non-melanoma skin cancers are usually indicated by a discolored patch of the skin or a lump that does not heal. This often appears on the ears, face, shoulders and hands. Melanoma skin cancers, on the other hand, are often characterized by a change in an existing mole or an appearance of a new one.
There is also a rodent ulcer, or skin cancer that can come in the form of a basal cell cancer (BCC). This disease affects the outermost layers of skin cells, also known as the epidermis.

Around 75 percent of all skin cancers are BCCs. They typically don't spread throughout the body and usually grow slow.

Some BCCs are aggressive and once they are left to grow, they spread into the deeper layers of the skin and bones, making treatment more difficult. This kind of skin cancer can be completely cured, however, if detected and treated at an early stage.

The symptoms and signs of a BCC include a growth that looks like a red, flat spot that is crusty or scaly, or a firm red lump that can be itchy or waxy, smooth and pearly. It develops into a painless ulcer, bleeds sometimes, develops a crust or scab and begins to heal, but not completely.

Another type of non-melanoma skin cancer is the squamous cell carcinoma. This is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK. It is cancer of the keratinocyte cells in the outer layer of the skin. They are mostly found on bald scalps, face, neck, backs of hands, arms and outer legs.
 
The symptoms and signs of a squamous cell carcinoma include a growth that is crusty, scaly and hard. It feels tender to touch, bleeds sometimes and makes the skin raise in the area of the cancer.

The deadliest form of cancer is the melanoma. It can actually appear and spread anywhere on the body, making this disease more deadly. According to the survey, 77 percent of respondents aren't confident in their ability to recognize signs of melanoma.

If you have a mole, check if it is painful or itchy, becoming crusty or bleeding, if it changes shape or color, and if it is getting bigger.

Experts reported that last month, around 50 people in the UK die of skin cancer every year, after being exposed to the sun. The rising skin cancer rate is a major concern in the UK and dermatologists want people to enjoy the warm weather, but also to understand how to protect themselves from the dangers of sunburns.

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