Skin cancer is a big problem.
Skin cancer is the no.1 cancer of fair skinned populations
he number of recorded cases of non melanoma skin cancer in the UK in 2003 was > 67,000 [Ref . 1]
The true annual incidence could be over 125,000 new cases annually in England and Wales [Ref. 2]
It is a massive and growing public health problem not just in the UK but worldwide in populations of fair skinned individuals
Skin cancer is an all-encompassing term for over 30 types of skin cancer. However almost all skin cancer (>95%) fall into the 3 following types:
Basal cell carcinoma = BCC
Squamous cell carcinoma = SCC
Malignant melanoma = MM
BCC & SCC are often synonymous with NMSC – non melanoma skin cancer, although any skin cancer that is not a melanoma is a NMSC
The vast majority of skin cancers are BCC (approx 80%)
Malignant melanoma can be fatal and claims approx 1800 lives in the UK per year
Squamous cell carcinoma can be fatal
Basal cell carcinoma is rarely fatal as it only rarely (almost never) spreads to other parts of the body
The percentage of people with BCC and SCC who develop a second BCC or SCC within 3 year period = 44% and 18% [ref.3.]

References:

1. http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerandresearch/cancers/melanoma/ [accessed 30 May 2007]
2. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Guidelines for Improving Outcomes for People with Skin tumours including Melanoma 2006;14
3. Marcil I, Stern RS. Risk of developing a subsequent non-melanoma skin cancer in patients with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer – a critical review of the literature and meta-analysis. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136: 1524-30

Skin Cancer - A Big Problem

Over 1 million skin cancers diagnosed and treated in USA each year approximately 800,000 basal cell carcinomas 200,000 squamous cell carcinomas
There is a doubling of incidence every 25 years for basal cell carcinoma
There is a doubling of incidence every 20 years for squamous cell carcinoma
Reference: Randle HW. The other skin cancers (non-melanoma, non-basal cell carcinoma, non-squamous cell carcinoma). Curr Probl Dermatol March/ April 2001; 123-129.]
Increase of 80% in the total numbers of skin cancers expected in the Netherlands 2000-2015
Malignant melanoma expected to increase by 99%
Squamous cell carcinoma – 80%
Basal cell carcinoma – 78%
Reference: de Vries E, van de Poll-Franse, Louwman et al. Predictions of skin cancer incidence in the Netherlands up to 2015. Brit J Dermatol 2005; 152: 481-88
Lifetime risk of non melanoma skin cancer for men and women born in the 1960s [1960-69] and between 1990s [1990-99] increased 2-3x
Reference: Demers AA, Nugent Z, Mihalcioiu C et al. Trends of non melanoma skin cancer from 1960 through 2000 in a Canadian population. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 53: 320-8

Prevention of Skin Cancer

The role of prevention through sun avoidance and protection from sunlight, beginning in childhood, cannot be underestimated. [from Squamous cell carcinoma. Curr Probl Dermatol 2003; 15: 85-134]

What can I do to help myself?

Once you have had a skin cancer, you have an increased risk of developing another, so you will need to check your skin regularly. The best method of prevention of any type of skin cancer is to stay out of the sun. If you do need to go out, keep covered up with a broad brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt or blouse and long trousers. Wear a high protection factor sunscreen on exposed skin (SPF 25-30) any time you go out of doors, even on overcast days. Should you notice a non-healing “sore” or a rapidly developing lump – get in touch with your doctor or dermatologist.

Remember

Avoid sunbeds
Protect children from sunburn
Wear a large hat
Wear broad spectrum sunblock and re-apply frequently
SPF 25-30 with 4* or 5* (**** or *****) rating
Long sleeve clothing
Loose trousers

Find out more about protection
Read key messages about skin cancer

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