VIRGIN Radio host Chris Evans reveals skin cancer diagnosis Recently, Chris Evans, host of VIRGIN Radio, announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. However, he reassured his listeners that the cancer had been caught early, making it completely treatable. This highlights the importance of knowing the early symptoms of skin cancer and being able to recognize them. By spotting these signs early on, individuals have a better chance of successfully treating the disease and preventing it from progressing further. Two types of skin cancer to be aware of: non-melanoma and melanoma
Skin cancer generally falls into two categories: non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers, which are diagnosed approximately 147,000 times a year in the UK, result in around 720 deaths annually. On the other hand, melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is diagnosed around 16,000 times a year and claims the lives of 2,340 people annually. It has a tendency to spread throughout the body, making early detection vital.
The early symptoms of skin cancer to look out for
Many people are unaware of what skin cancer can actually look like. While it can cause moles to change, it can also create lumps and lesions that people mistake for spots. The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. To help individuals identify potential symptoms of melanoma, experts recommend using the "ABCDE" rule:
- Asymmetrical: Melanomas usually have two very different halves and an irregular shape.
- Border: Melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border.
- Colours: Melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours.
- Diameter: Most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter.
- Enlargement or elevation: A mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma.
In addition to the "ABCDE" rule, there are other signs to look out for, such as moles that are swollen and sore, bleeding, itchy, or crusty. It's also worth noting that the specific locations where melanoma skin cancers are most commonly found differ between men and women. In women, the legs are the most common location, while men are more likely to see melanomas on their trunk, specifically the back or torso.
Non-melanoma skin cancer: what to watch out for
The first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is typically the appearance of a lump or discoloured patch on the skin. These persist for weeks and slowly progress over months or even years. Cancerous lumps are usually red and firm and may turn into ulcers, while cancerous patches tend to be flat and scaly. The two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell cancer (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Basal cell cancer (BCC): BCC affects the outermost layers of cells in the skin and is sometimes referred to as a rodent ulcer. Signs of BCCs include skin growth that looks smooth and pearly, seems waxy, appears as a firm, red lump that sometimes bleeds, develops a scab or crust, never completely heals, is itchy, looks like a flat red spot and is scaly and crusty, or develops into a painless ulcer. Around 75% of all skin cancers are BCCs. They are typically slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. When treated early, BCCs can usually be completely cured. However, if left untreated, they may become more aggressive and spread into deeper layers of the skin and even the bones, making treatment more challenging.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): SCC is a cancer of the keratinocyte cells found in the outer layer of the skin. This type of cancer primarily affects the face, neck, bald scalps, arms, backs of hands, and lower legs. A lump on the skin may appear scaly, have a hard, crusty cap, be raised, be tender to the touch, or bleed intermittently. Non-melanoma skin cancer most commonly develops on areas of skin regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, shoulders, upper chest, and back.
Advanced symptoms of skin cancer to be aware of
Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe symptoms. While these symptoms may also indicate other underlying health issues, they are possible signs of advanced melanoma. According to Cancer Research UK, advanced melanoma may present with hard or swollen lymph nodes, hard lumps on the skin, unexplained pain, feeling very tired or unwell, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), and abdominal pain.
Recognizing the early signs of skin cancer and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for ensuring timely treatment and a better prognosis. Regularly examining the skin for any changes or unusual symptoms is highly recommended, especially for those at higher risk due to factors like a history of sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer. Remember, by keeping an eye out for the early symptoms and taking action, you can greatly increase your chances of successfully treating skin cancer.
