Skin Cancer

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Skin Cancer

Cancer develops when DNA, the molecule found in cells that encodes genetic information, becomes damaged and the body cannot repair the damage. These damaged cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. When this occurs in the skin, skin cancer develops.

Types of Skin Cancer
Three types of skin cancer account for nearly all diagnosed cases. Each of these three cancers begins in a different type of cell within the skin, and each cancer is named for the type of cell in which it begins. Skin cancers are divided into one of two classes - non melanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The different types of skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common cancer in humans, BCC can take several forms. It can appear as a shiny translucent or pearly nodule, a sore that continuously heals and then re-opens, a pink slightly elevated growth, reddish irritated patches of skin, or a waxy scar.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This cancer begins in the squamous cells, which are found in the upper layer of the epidermis. SCC tends to develop in fair-skinned middle-aged and elderly people who have had long-term sun exposure. It most often appears as a crusted or scaly area of skin with a red inflamed base that resembles a growing tumour, non-healing ulcer, or crusted-over patch of skin.

Melanoma, this begins in the melanocytes, cells within the epidermis that give skin its colour. Melanoma has been coined 'the most lethal form of skin cancer' because it can rapidly spread to the lymph system and internal organs. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for melanoma is about 95%.

Other no melanoma skin cancers: All other skin cancers combined account for less than 1% of diagnosed cases. These are classified as no melanoma skin cancers and include Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibromasarcoma protuberans, Paget's disease and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Causes
Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. Many of the skin cancers diagnosed each year could be prevented with protection from the sun's rays. Scientists now know that exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damages DNA in the skin. The body can usually repair this damage before gene mutations occur and cancer develops. When a person's body cannot repair the damaged DNA, which can occur with cumulative sun exposure, cancer develops.

Skin cancer develops in people of all colours, from the palest to the darkest. However, skin cancer is most likely to occur in those who have fair skin, light-coloured eyes, blonde or red hair, a tendency to burn or freckle when exposed to the sun, and a history of sun exposure.

Sun protection can significantly decrease a person's risk of developing skin cancer. Sun protection practices include staying out of the midday sun, when the rays are strongest, applying a broad-spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher year-round to all exposed skin, and wearing a protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.