WITH May designated Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and Sun Awareness week falling between May 6 and 12, these two campaigns serve as a timely reminder of the importance of knowing your skin as well as understanding the potentially devastating effects of excess sun exposure, the single biggest, yet preventable cause of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the commonest cancer in the UK, with more than 100,000 cases annually.

These can be split into melanomas and non-melanomas. Although making up less than one in ten of total skin cancers, melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer deaths. If not recognised and treated, it rapidly spreads to other parts of the body (metastasis). Worryingly it is on the rise in younger adults.

Non melanoma skin cancers include Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs, sometimes termed rodent ulcers) and Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs). While these make up the majority of skin cancers, they are much less aggressive than melanomas. They tend to occur in older individuals. However, if ignored they can grow into the surrounding tissues, causing damage and disfigurement.

Melanoma skin cancers arise as a new mole or changes within an existing mole.

The British Association of Dermatologists has put together a checklist of things to watch out for. These are Asymmetry of the skin lesion (benign moles tend to be round or oval), Border (an irregular outline is of concern), Colour (multiple colours in a mole should not be ignored), Diameter (anything above 6mm) and Evolving (a changing lesion is more suggestive of cancer).

BCCs are pearly lumps, with a raised edge and sometimes a central crater, while SCCs start as a lump with a rough or crusted surface.

Many myths exist about sun exposure.

A certain amount of sunlight can have positive effects on your physical and psychological wellbeing. However, you do not need to tan to get adequate vitamin D. A tan is not a sign of healthiness. Indeed it is the first sign of skin damage as melanocytes in the skin produce more melanin (the pigment which causes skin darkening) to try to repel the sun’s harmful rays.

Sunbeds do not “prepare” your skin for a trip to a warmer climate. They are themselves a risk for skin cancer.

When choosing a sun screen, look for one with a high SPF and high star rating, to counteract both UVA and UVB rays. Although many are marketed as “once daily”, studies show that often inadequate amounts are applied, with some areas of the skin missed completely.

In addition, water resistant sunscreens are only tested for two 20 minute periods, most people spending much more time in the pool or sea.

Although those with fair skin who usually burn in the sun are at greater risk of skin cancer than those who tan or are naturally dark skinned, anyone can develop skin cancer if they don’t take precautions.

While the majority will not be skin cancer, always get any new skin change examined by your doctor.