Skin cancer prevention and screening

Introduction

A strategy combining sun protection, self-examination and regular dermatological follow-up significantly reduces both illness and deaths from skin cancer.

Aims of screening

Medical screening aims to:

• Ensure early detection of suspicious lesions
• Identify high-risk patients
• Monitor changes in pigmented lesions
• Diagnose skin cancers at a curable stage
• Teach patients to recognise the warning signs

Skin self-examination

How to do it

• Examine your entire skin surface (including the scalp, nails and soles of the feet)
• Use a mirror or ask someone close to you to help
• Look out for any lesion that is:
• — new
• — changing in appearance
• — bleeding
• — not healing

Warning signs

• The ABCDE rule for pigmented lesions
• A sore that does not heal
• A lesion that is growing or thickening
• Unusual itching or pain

Medical screening

A dermatological skin check is painless, non-invasive and quick. It involves:

• A full clinical examination of the skin
• Dermoscopy of suspicious lesions
• Standardised photographs
• Digital monitoring and mole mapping for at-risk patients
• Biopsy or excision if there is any doubt

Sun protection

Sun protection is the most effective preventive measure.

Key recommendations

• Avoid sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm
• Wear covering clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• Use a high-protection sunscreen, reapplied regularly
• Avoid sunbeds altogether
• Extra protection for children and teenagers