Following on from the launch of our amazing new sun protection range from Cantabria labs, I felt it was only fitting to do a bit of a blog on a sun related skin cancer that gets less media attention!
Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that originates in the squamous cells, which make up the outer layer of the skin. While it is less aggressive than melanoma, SCC’s can spread to other parts of the body if not treated in a timely manner. These should be referred on fast track cancer pathway if they are suspected!
More than 90% of cases of SCC are caused exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), especially UVB. This UVB radiation leads to abnormal skin call development due to DNA damage. We need to look out for lesions on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, lips, neck, and back of the hands.
So what are we looking for?
- Open Sores: Persistent sores or growths that DO NOT HEAL. They may scab up but they come back!
- Scaly Patches: Red, scaly areas that may itch or bleed that DO NOT GO AWAY
- Raised growths: strange horny or warty looking lesions.
Precancerous Lesions – Actinic Keratoses
Actinic (or solar) keratosis (AK) is the most common precursor lesion for squamous cell carcinoma. This means that there are skin signs and changes that can be treated before they become a cancerous lesion!
They can look like dry rough, scaly patches, often found on sun-exposed areas like bald heads, ears, face and hands. Lesions in this form are fully treatable and we can prevent them becoming something cancerous if we spot them early enough!
I was so excited to find a sunscreen specifically for Actinic Keratoses (I know I am sad!).
Why am I so excited about this product?
This is not only a 100SPF, that blocks 4 sources of DNA damaging radiation (UVB UVA, Visible and Infrared) but it also contains a repair complex (GenoRepair® Complex) that works by activating the 3 mechanisms of DNA repair inside the cells hence promoting the regeneration of sun damaged skin and reducing the likelihood of these lesions becoming a cancer! How amazing is that?
So the moral of the story is to get all strange skin lesions checked early, no doctor will think it is a waste of time even if it turns out to be ‘nothing’!
