Skin Cancer Awareness

As a Soft Tissue Therapist, my work involves close connection with and observation of clients skin. I am in a unique position that I when see clients regularly, I could potentially detect changes in their skin, whilst also seeing areas of their body, such as their back or neck, that they cannot.

I have recently completed the Accredited Educational Programme in Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection (MASCED) & the programme has helped me understand better the risks associated with UV, prevention of skin cancer & how to spot the signs and symptoms. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would share some key learnings.

MASCED Accreditation Certificate

1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed is skin cancer - it is the most common cancer in the UK and worldwide.

Over 210,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the UK. 1 in 4 males and 1 in 5 females will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in the UK. Non-melanoma skin cancer can often be easily treated, but may require surgery and result in scarring.

Over 16,000 cases of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) are diagnosed annually in the UK and the incidence in Britain has risen faster than any other common cancer. 1 in 36 UK males and 1 in 47 UK females will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime and it is now one of the biggest killing cancers in young adults (aged 15-34).

Sunbeds are not safe and have been classified as a Class1 Carcinogen.

Solar UVR is not related to temperature, so even on cooler days we can risk skin damage if the UV Index is 3 or more. (UV Index is a scale of 1-11)

Around 90% of skin cancers are caused by damage from over exposure to ultra violet radiation from the sun and sunbeds, making the disease almost entirely preventable.

Prevention

https://app.skcin.org/prevention/

There are 5 simple sun safe strategies when the UV Index is 3 or more.

1. SLIP on clothing

2. SLOP on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen with a UVA symbol and reapply every 2hrs, even if the manufacturer claims its suitable for one application

3. SLAP on a wide brimmed hat. Baseball caps do not protect ears or neck

4. SLIDE on UV sunglasses with a CEUV400 or a high eye protection factor (1-10)

5. SHADE seek between 11am - 3pm

   
   

Early Detection

Skin Cancer is the only cancer we can physically see developing in its early stages. If detected and treated early enough, skin cancer is almost always curable. Learning how to spot the signs and symptoms can save lives.

For a comprehensive guide on how to detect suspicious moles or lesions, I strongly recommend downloading the SKCIN app which is educational tool dedicated to the prevention and early detection of skin cancer. It includes signs and symptoms of different skin cancers and photos to help identify suspicious lesions and moles.

Skcin Logo