2015 Kampanj

Preventing skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the world’s most common cancers. The good news is that it is usually treatable if detected early - and there are things we can do to prevent it.

Always be sunsafe

Avoid unnecessary exposure.

Seek shade where possible, and avoid the summer sun during the middle of the day.

Wear protective clothing

Include dark colours, long sleeves, a widebrimmed hat and UV-rated sunglasses.

For children, look for clothing with inbuilt sun protection.

Apply sunscreen

Check that yours has a high protection factor against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember that sunscreen takes effect around half an hour after its application and only lasts for two to three hours.

Protect children

Children are at the greatest risk of long-term health issues related to unsafe sun exposure.

Outside play is important, but you should never let a child get sunburnt.

Detta är den mest sällsynta formen av hudcancer, men också den allvarligaste. Den kan drabba människor i alla åldrar, till skillnad från andra hudcancerformer, som är vanligast hos äldre personer. Ett malignt mela­nom kan ha mycket varierande utseende. Det kan vara en mörk pigmentfläck med oregelbundna gränser eller som med tiden ändrar färg. Men det kan också vara en snabbt växande rosa eller röd knuta i huden. Det kan spridas till inre organ, så här är omedelbar behandling nödvändig.

Detta är den vanligaste formen av hudcancer, men också den minst allvarliga. Den brukar visa sig som en förhöjd knuta i huden med blank yta. Den ser ut som ett sår med skorpa på som inte läker, och växer långsamt. Om denna inte behandlas, kan den utvecklas till större sår som går djupare ned i huden.

This is the second most common form of skin cancer, occurring in areas of the skin that have had a lot of sun exposure, such as the face and scalp. It presents as a crusty lump which may grow quickly and become ulcerated and weepy. It can spread rapidly, especially if on the lips, ears, fingers and toes, or in immunosuppressed patients. Surgical treatment to remove the lesions is essential.

This occurs most commonly in middle-aged and elderly people, on areas most exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, ears, back of the hands and scalp. It presents as red-brown scaly and rough patches of skin. The lesions are pre-cancerous; in 10– 15% of cases they may develop into squamous cell carcinomas, so they should be treated to prevent progression.