Putting the spotlight on skin cancers

Skin cancers are the most common cancers in humans, says the Cancer Society, and an estimated 20,000 people have new skin cancers each year.

The development of common skin cancers, because of the effects of the sun on mostly fair-skinned people, appears to be largely influenced by the behaviour and attitudes of people to sun exposure, the society says.
Dermatologist, Dr Denesh Patel, who has recently joined the Auckland Skin and Cancer Foundation as a staff member, says basal cell cancer makes up about three quarters of all skin cancers.

It presents itself as pale, red, or pearly smooth, and occasionally as a scaly lump, usually on sun-exposed areas.

"It tends to grow locally but if left untreated can be quite destructive, leading to ulcers of the skin," Dr Patel says.

The squamous cell cancer - a raised, scaly skin growth - also occurs quite commonly and "again tends to occur on sun-exposed areas."

If left untreated, Dr Patel says, it occasionally spreads to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is the least common, but potentially the most serious form of skin cancer. The society says New Zealand's melanoma rate is one of the highest in the world and is the most common type of cancer in people aged 25 to 29.

Dr Patel adds that in those at most risk - those with fair skin who sunburn easily or have been sunburned often as children or adolescents - the life-time chance of developing a melanoma almost doubles. Melanomas can arise over a few weeks to months and can spread easily. They can occur on any part of the body.

"A changing mole or new mole or freckle - one that bleeds easily or looks unusual because of its irregular shape, edges and colour - should be examined and a skin biopsy taken if necessary," says Dr Patel. Early diagnosis of melanoma to prevent it spreading to other parts of the body, is crucial, he says.

In basal and squamous cell cancers early detection will avoid the need for more difficult surgery. It is important, Dr Patel says, to perform regular total skin examinations.

Programmes on sun awareness and self-examination "have resulted in doctors seeing "thinner melanomas with better outlooks compared to what was seen 10 to 20 years ago."

This greater awareness of skin cancers, education about signs, and the realisation of the need for sun protection or avoidance, is resulting in early diagnosis of skin cancers, Dr Patel says.

This means that they can be "cured by simple surgical procedures."

"Early detection is crucial. Learn to look after and look at your skin regularly and if you are concerned about any spot, see your doctor," Dr Patel advises.