These are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer everyone needs to be on the lookout for.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, and non-melanoma skin cancer refers to the group of cancers that develop in the upper layers of your skin. Melanoma cancer is more rare, but spreads faster throughout your body.
Non-melanoma skin cancer is mainly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light comes from the sun, as well as artificial sunbeds and sunlamps, so as the weather starts warming up, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers of being out in the sun.
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Common symptoms
The usual first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is a lump, or a patch on your skin that doesn't heal within a month. For most people, cancerous lumps are red firm, and cancerous patches are flat and scaly, but if you notice any skin abnormality that hasn't healed after four weeks it's worth speaking to your GP about it.
While it is unlikely to be skin cancer, it is best to be sure.
What causes skin cancer?
UV light overexposure is the most common cause, but there are other things that can increase your chance of developing skin cancer. These include a family history of the condition, having pale skin that burns easily, or having a large number of moles or freckles.
What is the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer?
If the worst should happen, surgery is the main treatment for skin cancer, but other treatments include cryotherapy, creams, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a treatment known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). These treatments are mostly successful, as skin cancer is one of the least likely types of cancer to spread to other parts of your body.
What can you do to avoid developing non-melanoma skin cancer?
While it is not always preventable, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of developing the condition. Using sunscreen, limiting the time you spend in the sun, and dressing sensibly in the sun can protect you from UV rays.
You should also avoid sunbeds and sunlamps, and regularly check your skin for signs of skin cancer.
You can read more about skin cancer (non-melanoma) here.
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