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There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. However, if left untreated, skin cancer can spread and become life threatening. This is one of the main reasons why getting to know your skin and regular skin checks are essential.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in the world. It accounts for around 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It usually begins in the lower layer of the skin (epidermis). It can appear anywhere on the body but usually develops on areas which have received high intermittent sun exposure. BCCs should not be left untreated. Very few people die from BCC.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. It accounts for about 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It usually begins in the upper layer of the epidermis and also tends to arise in areas which have received significant amounts of sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, shoulders and back. This type of skin cancer is more dangerous than basal cell carcinoma because it has the ability to spread to other parts of the body. SCC generally grows quickly over months and sometimes weeks.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It can spread very quickly. Once it has penetrated below the surface of the skin it can become life threatening. If detected early, the survival rate is high. This largely dependent on the thickness (depth) of melanoma. If a person has a melanoma of less than 0.75mm thick can expect to have 95% cure rate. If left untreated and larger than 4mm thick, the cure rate is less than 55%. So early detection is key.
Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing some stories from the Solbari Community to help raise awareness about skin cancer, melanoma, skin conditions and sun protection.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please answer the following questions from the relevant questionnaire and send us a picture of yourself being sun safe in the outdoors.
Your skin is your largest organ and has a long memory. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) damage is cumulative throughout your life. Research shows that sun damage contributes to more than 90% of wrinkles, brown spots, premature skin ageing as well as precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.
Limiting sun exposure is very important, as the UV rays cause the most damage to the skin. It often takes many years and sometimes decades for the effects to become visible.
