Skin cancer is a disease that starts in the skin cells as abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells often cluster together to form moles. Most moles are non cancerous, but some may develop into a serious type of skin cancer. There are three types of skin cancer:  basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. The first two are usually non-fatal and can be treated. However, malignant melanoma can be fatal and can spread to almost any part of the body. Most skin cancers will occur on areas of the skin that are exposed repeatedly to the sun. The face, neck, arms, or hands are most at risk. 

What causes skin cancer?
One of the main causes of skin cancer can be linked to the amount of exposure of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun and tanning equipment. Ultraviolet radiation A and B are the ones that do the most permanent damage to the skin.

Who is at risk?
Skin cancer can occur in both men and women. The Public Health Agency of Canada (2009) reports that melanoma is on the rise, especially for males. It is speculated that the rate of skin cancer is increasing because of intense sunlight exposure and to improvements in the detection of the disease.  

 What other factors can increase the risk of skin cancer?

• Age (especially over the age of 50).
• Fair or freckled skin and light coloured eyes or hair.
• Long-term exposure to UVR (e.g., sun or tanning equipment).
• History of skin cancers in the family.
• Previous skin disorders.
• Severe skin damage such as burns:
  • Severe blistering sunburn(s) e.g., one blistering sunburn in a child or teen more than doubles their chance of developing melanoma later in life (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2008).
  • The more childhood sunburns the higher the risk for melanoma later in life.
• Having lots of moles (e.g., 50 moles or more that are 2 mm (.078 in) or larger (Canadian Cancer Society Encyclopedia, 2008).

Early detection is the key
The early detection of skin cancer significantly increases the odds of a successful treatment. If melanomas are treated in their early stages, it could be 90% curable (Canadian Cancer Society). Check your skin every month. Look for: asymmetry, border, colour, and diameter (ABCD):

• A – A change in shape. One side is different than the other.
• B – Change from smooth to irregular edges.
• C – Change in colour.
• D – Change in size.

For more information, check the Canadian Dermatology Association’s website at http://www.skincancerguide.ca/prevention/self_examination.html

Skin Cancer Statistics
In 2009, the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that:

• 80,100 Canadians would be diagnosed with all three forms of skin cancer.
• 5,000 Canadians would be diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
• 940 deaths would occur due to melanoma (Canadian Cancer Society, 2009). 

                             Cancer Care Ontario, 2005

Important information about the ultraviolet (UV) index and sun protection actions.

Environment Canada, 2005, modified by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, 2009.

Reliable Links:
World Health Organization. Global UV Index. A Practical Guide, 2002

Environment Canada, UV and Sun Awareness

Canadian Cancer Society