Skin cancer is diagnosed in over 160,000 people in the UK each year, making it the most common cancer. Melanoma — the most dangerous type — rates have tripled in the last 30 years. Yet most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early, and many are preventable with consistent sun protection. Knowing what to look for and how to protect your skin are genuinely life-saving skills.
The Three Main Types
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): the most common (75–80%). A slow-growing tumour arising from basal cells in the lower epidermis. Typically appears as a shiny, translucent pearly nodule, often with visible blood vessels, on sun-exposed areas. Rarely metastasises but is locally destructive and requires treatment. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): approximately 20% of skin cancers. A firm, irregular scaly or crusted lesion on sun-damaged skin. More likely to metastasise than BCC. Associated with cumulative UV exposure, immunosuppression and smoking (lip SCC). Melanoma: approximately 16,000 cases per year in the UK. Arises from melanocytes. The most dangerous type — metastasises readily through lymphatics and blood. Most are caused by UV exposure but a minority arise in protected skin. Survival is excellent at Stage 1 (>99% 5-year) but falls dramatically at Stage 4 (<25% 5-year) — hence the importance of early detection.
The ABCDE Criteria for Melanoma
A — Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other. Benign moles are symmetrical. B — Border: irregular, notched, ragged or blurred edges. Benign moles have smooth, well-defined borders. C — Colour: multiple shades within the same lesion (brown, tan, black, red, white, blue). Benign moles are uniform. D — Diameter: larger than 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller. E — Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms (itching, bleeding, crusting) over weeks or months. An additional sign: the “ugly duckling” — a lesion that looks different from all your other moles, even if it doesn’t meet other ABCDE criteria.
Sun Protection: What Actually Works
UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) is the primary cause of skin cancer. SPF basics: SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB; SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%. The difference is smaller than it sounds but meaningful over decades of exposure. Look for “broad spectrum” labelling or the UVA circle logo — indicating UVA protection in addition to UVB. Application errors: most people apply 25–50% of the recommended quantity. Apply 2mg/cm² — roughly a teaspoon for the face alone, a shot glass for exposed body. Apply 15–20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours, immediately after swimming or towelling. Year-round UK use: UVA is present at consistent levels year-round and penetrates glass. Daily SPF use in the UK (even in winter) is recommended by dermatologists for any regular outdoor exposure or office window seating.
Checking Your Skin
Monthly whole-body self-examination in front of a full-length mirror — systematically from scalp to soles, including between fingers and toes — creates familiarity and enables early change detection. Use a handheld mirror for the back and scalp, or ask a partner. The goal is not to diagnose but to notice and report changes promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer
Does sunscreen actually prevent skin cancer?
Yes — with high-quality evidence. A 10-year RCT (Nambour Skin Cancer Study) found that daily sunscreen use reduced melanoma incidence by 50% and SCC by 38% compared to discretionary use. This is as strong as evidence gets for a preventive health intervention.
Are sunbeds really as dangerous as claimed?
Yes — the WHO classifies sunbeds as a Group 1 carcinogen (the same category as tobacco). Using a sunbed before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%. There is no safe level of sunbed use. The UV output from sunbeds is often 10–15× stronger than midday Mediterranean sun.
Can you get skin cancer on skin not exposed to the sun?
Yes — acral lentiginous melanoma arises on the palms, soles and under nails. It is the most common melanoma subtype in people with darker skin tones. Other rare subtypes occur on mucous membranes. Regular self-examination should include these protected areas.
How urgently should I see a doctor about a suspicious mole?
Promptly. The NHS 2-week-wait pathway for suspected skin cancer guarantees assessment by a dermatologist within 2 weeks of GP referral for suspected melanoma. Don’t delay. If you’re concerned about a mole that has changed, see your GP and explicitly state your concern so a 2-week-wait referral can be made if appropriate.
Browse sun protection products at Huncoat Pharmacy. Related: Sensitive Skin, Anti-Ageing Skincare.
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