Early Detection of Skin Cancer – Learn What to Look For 

As a Health Unit, we educate the public about cancers.  The majority of skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to the sun.  There are two types of skin cancers:  melanoma and non-melanoma.   In 2006, Canadian Cancer Society estimated there would be 4,500 new cases of melanoma skin cancer and sadly, almost 17 deaths a week.  Approximately 68,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in Canadians is also projected for 2006.   

As with most cancers, the chance of a cure for skin cancer increases if the cancer is found early.  Learn what to look for on your skin, and have someone else check the spots you cannot see yourself.  See your health professional for an assessment of any suspicious spots on your skin.

Early Detection of Skin Cancer

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• Any change in a birthmark - new shape, new colour, new size or a change in it's surface.
• Any change in a mole - new shape, new colour, new size, or a change in it's surface.

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• Make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up and remember, the earlier you see your doctor, the earlier you can take care of this problem.

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• Any new growth on your skin.
• any sore that does not heal.
• any patch of skin that bleeds, oozes, swells, itches or becomes red and bumpy.

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• If your family doctor determines that your mole(s) or skin condition needs further investigation, you will be referred to a dermatologist.
• At this time, in Ontario, the only way to see a dermatologist is with a referral from a family doctor.

Learn what to look for and check your skin monthly, as most skin cancers can be cured if they are treated early enough

Reliable links:

Canadian Dermatology Association, A Guide to Skin Cancer Self Examination http://www.dermatology.ca/english/newsite/graphics_en/selfexam_eng.pdf

Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca