Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is skin cancer awareness month.

There are three main types of skin cancer

• basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

• squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

• malignant melanoma.

BCCs and SCCs are different from melanoma. They are called non-melanoma skin cancers.

The first sign you notice may be a change in how an area of skin looks. This may be on any area of skin but usually affects an area of skin that gets a lot of exposure to the sun. 

There are different symptoms of skin cancer. If you have any of these or notice any changes in your skin, it is important to have them checked by your GP.

Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCCs are more likely to develop on skin that is regularly exposed to the sun, especially on the face, head and neck.

BCCs may appear as:

• smooth and pearly-white

• waxy

• a firm, red lump or may look sunken in the middle

• a pearly brown or black lump if you have darker skin

• a flat, red spot that is scaly and crusty

• a pale non-healing scar.

BCCs may also:

• begin to heal but never completely heal

• feel itchy and bleed sometimes

• develop a crust or scab

• develop into a painless ulcer.

Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCCs usually develop in areas that have been damaged by sun exposure.

In people with pale skin, they are mainly found on the face and neck, bald scalps, shoulders and arms, back of hands and lower legs.

In people with darker or black skin, SCCs are more likely to affect areas that have less, or no direct sun exposure. These include the lower legs, torso, genitals and areas where there has been long-term scarring – for example, after a burn to the area.

SCCs may:

• look scaly

• have a hard, crusty scab

• look pink or red

• have a raised area of skin

• feel tender to touch

• bleed sometimes.

To find out more information visit : www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/skin-cancer