Sun and skin cancer

There are around 65,000 new cases of skin cancer reported in the UK every year and the numbers are rising and they result in about 2,000 deaths each year in the UK.

The important message is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable through simple and inexpensive sun protection methods.

Types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancer

1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

3. Malignant melanoma.

90 per cent of skin cancer cases in the UK consist of the first two types and they are almost always curable.

Malignant melanoma is much rarer and more dangerous and causes around 10 per cent of skin cancers. Whereas BCCs and SCCs generally affect older people, malignant melanoma is the third most common cancer in 15-39 year olds.

Each year in the UK around 5,500 people are diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. If left untreated, it can spread to other organs very quickly.

Melanomas grow on pigmented patches of skin, mainly on new or existing moles. Whereas moles don’t grow, melanomas do. They tend to have irregular, reddish outlines, an irregular colour and they can itch, bleed or ooze. They can appear anywhere on the body, not just at sites of sun exposure. Episodes of severe sunburn and long-term exposure to the sun through work or leisure are risk factors for malignant melanoma.

What causes skin cancer?

Most skin cancers are linked to sunburn or prolonged exposure to the sun. Skin cells are damaged by radiation that makes up sunshine. The dangerous rays contain UV radiation. This comes in three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. UV radiation can penetrate deep into our cells and cause gene damage, the trigger for cancer.

UVA is the predominant type of UV radiation from the sun. It causes more pigment to be produced in the skin, resulting in a temporary tan. UVA doesn’t burn the skin but can penetrate the outer layer and do damage under the surface. Longterm exposure can lead to skin cancer. Sunbeds emit UVA radiation.

UVB radiation makes up a very small proportion of the sun’s UV radiation. But it can cause redness and burning and prolonged exposure can result in blistering and second degree burns. Exposure to UVB rays is a risk factor for both non-melanoma skin cancers and malignant melanoma.

UVC radiation gets filtered out by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth. It can be artificially produced for example in arc welding lamps and is extremely damaging to the skin.

The sun and you

Your risk of developing skin cancer depends on your skin type. Nobody’s skin is completely safe in the sun.

The sun and children

Children’s skin is especially vulnerable. There is evidence to suggest that sunburn and/or intense sun exposure (like a two week beach holiday) in childhood can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, in later life. Extra care should be taken to protect babies from the sun.

The truth about tanning and sunbeds

Sunbeds mimic the sun by emitting UVA radiation so they are not a safe alternative to sunbathing.

There is no such thing as a safe tan (unless it comes out of a bottle). Sunbeds deliver concentrated doses of UVA that cause skin damage.

How to protect yourself and your family

Follow these guidelines to get the best out of the sun without putting your skin at risk

Take care not to burn.

Try to avoid the midday sun altogether (from 11am till 3pm).

Cover up in the sun with loose cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sun glasses with UV protection.

Use a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. This will protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunsreens however are more effective at filtering UVB rays than UVA so they are not a complete solution. Reducing exposure to the sun is recommended.

Protect yourself while swimming. You can still burn in the water.

Remember that children need extra protection. Babies should always wear protective clothing and a hat in the sun. And apply sunscreen to areas of the skin that are exposed like the face, arms and hands.

Avoid using sunbeds.

seek medical advice immediately if you are worried about a mole or skin blemish, especially if it has changed in size or appearance. Most melanomas can be treated by simple excision.