Understanding UV rays and their effects on the skin is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing long-term damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun, are categorised into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are primarily responsible for premature ageing, including wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays affect the surface of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to the development of skin cancer by damaging the DNA in skin cells.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with approximately two in three Australians diagnosed with some form of the disease before the age of 70. Unenviably, we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): A Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer accounting for 70% of all non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia. Fortunately, they are slow growing cancers that virtually never spread to other parts of the body and with early detection and treatment are usually completely curable. However, they can grow quite large, destroying surrounding structures, therefore removal when they are small is best to avoid extensive surgery. There are several forms of BCC with a diverse range of clinical features. They can appear as slow growing thin plaques, pink or pearly nodules, a non healing sore or a scar like area of skin depending on the subtype. Sometimes the edge of the BCC can be difficult to detect and the skin cancer may in fact be much larger than it appears. Diagnosis of these lesions is often delayed as the may indistinct in their early stages. The sun plays the most important role in the development of BCC, however fair skin, a family history and certain genetic syndromes can all predispose to increased risk of disease.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): A Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is an invasive form of skin cancer that accounts for 30% of all non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia. It can be diverse in its appearance, ranging from a lesion that is flat, red and scaly to a nodule that can bleed and crust over. SCC can sometimes appear as a non healing sore or a lesion that is painful to touch. Although they can be found anywhere on the body, they tend to favour the head, neck, forearms, hands and legs. Once one appears, it will generally grow quite quickly, evolving over weeks to months. There are many factors that increase a person’s risk of developing SCC including chronic sun exposure, a history of previous skin cancer, older age, fair skin, radiation therapy or chemical exposure, certain genetic syndromes and immunosuppression (organ transplant, blood cancer, medication). A diagnosis of SCC is made on biopsy, but further investigations may be undertaken if your dermatologist is concerned this cancer may have spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant Melanoma: It is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. One of the most concerning features of melanoma is its propensity to spread to other parts of the body, hence the urgency in identifying and treating it as early as possible. There are a number of different forms of melanoma and can appear as flat, brown or black mark, a raised nodule or lump on the skin or as a fleck or line of colour on the palm, sole or under the nail. It may lack colour, appearing pink or flesh toned. It can appear anywhere on the body, arising de novo (in previously unmarked skin) or within a pre-existing mole. Ultra-violet radiation is the major risk factor for the development of melanoma but other factors include a fair skin type, light coloured eyes, red or blonde hair, multiple dysplastic naevi and a family history of melanoma.
Importance of Regular Skin Checks
- Self-Examinations: Conduct monthly skin self-exams to check for new or changing moles and spots. Use mirrors to check all areas, including the back, scalp, and between toes.
- Professional Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with a dermatologist. High-risk individuals (e.g., those with a family history of skin cancer, a history of excessive sun exposure, or numerous moles) should have more frequent exams.
Preventative Measures
- Suns Protection Use: Apply broad-spectrum sun protection every day, reapplying every two hours when outdoors.
- Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
- Do Not Use Tanning Beds: UV radiation from tanning beds can increase the risk of all types of skin cancer.
Raising awareness about the risks of skin cancer, recognising early warning signs, and the importance of regular skin checks can save lives. Encouraging proactive skin care and protection habits helps reduce the incidence and impact of this common yet preventable disease. If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, consult a dermatologist immediately. Early detection and treatment are key to successful outcomes.
