Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with around 430 new cases every day in the UK (Cancer Research UK), and around 9500 every day in the US (Skincancer.org).
It is mainly caused by the overexposure to UV rays from the sun (or sunbeds!), so that’s why it’s really important to wear suncream, protective clothing and to stay in the shade where possible.
We’re always told to keep an eye on our moles – to monitor them for changes, to see if their colour, texture or size changes, or if we get any new moles, which is why it took me more years that I can count to book an appointment with the doctor for a check up on my skin, despite skin cancer running in my family and me knowing I had a questionable, visible patch of skin on my face that needed examining – “it’s not really a mole, so is it actually a problem?”
However, non-melanoma skin cancer can look like a scab on the skin, a lesion, a spot, or a scaly or waxy patch on the skin’s surface. Non-melanoma skin cancer can can change shape over time, looking like it is cycling through scabbing and healing. It may blister or bleed, and be tender to touch. It may be itchy, or you may feel nothing at all.
Keeping an eye on changes to your moles is very important, but keeping up with general changes to your skin are important too.
What should you be looking for?
- A new lump or patch on the skin that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
- A scaly growth or shiny patch that may develop a crust or scab, or bleed
- Any skin abnormality that hasn’t healed within 4 weeks
If you’re concerned about any suspicious changes to your skin, or if you’re affected by skin cancer, please make an appointment with your GP or a dermatologist.
The Pain Corner 
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