The Different Types of Skin Cancer Explained Simply
Understanding the different types of skin cancer can help you feel more confident when checking your skin. Here, we explain the signs to look out for, why SPF matters, and when to...
Skin cancer can feel like a worrying topic to read about, but understanding the signs is one of the most important ways to look after your skin and your health. Being confident in what to look for can help you feel more informed and prepared to take action if something does not feel right.
In this guide, we’ll gently walk you through the main types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, along with the symptoms to be aware of.
What are the different types of skin cancer and their symptoms?
There are three main types of skin cancer you are most likely to hear about: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Each starts in a different type of skin cell, which can influence how it appears, where it develops and how quickly it may change.
Melanoma
This type of skin cancer develops when abnormal cells in the skin start to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. This can be caused by UV light; in fact, this is the most common cause. UV light comes from the sun and is used in sun beds.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer as it can spread to other areas of your body. Finding it early makes it much more treatable. It is most commonly formed in moles, existing or new ones. But it can also form from patches on the skin. Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK.
You can get melanoma anywhere on your body, the most common places are...
For men:
- Back
- Chest
- Tummy
For women:
- Legs
While anyone with darker skin tones is less likely to get skin cancer, you should also check the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, under a fingernail or toenail.
You may need to take extra care if:
- You have pale skin and burn easily in the sun
- You have a lot of freckles or moles
- You have blue or green eyes
- You're naturally blonde or red
- Experienced sunburn a lot
- Have a lot of sun exposure
- You work a lot outside in the sun
- Use sun beds
- Have a history of skin cancer in your family
Non-melanoma skin cancer
There are two main types of non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
BCC
This is the most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. Around 75% of non-melanoma skin cancers are BCCs.
It is usually found on the skin on your head, hands, ears and neck, as they are most exposed to the sun, but it can develop across your body.
With BCC, it is possible to have more than one at the same time, and having one increases your risk of getting another or getting it again. However, it is rare for BCC to spread to any other part of your body and form another type of cancer.
SCC
They are acknowledged to be faster growing than BCCs but less common. They develop in the same areas, those most commonly exposed to the sun. They can also develop on areas of the skin that have been burnt, are ulcerated, or on scars.
The risk with SCC is that it can spread to your lymph nodes and other parts of the body. However, it is not common that they do.
Where can I buy effective sunscreens that protect against skin cancer?
Sunscreen is crucial to protecting yourself against skin cancer. SPF blocks UV (the main cause of skin cancer) from causing any skin cell DN damage, which causes the cell changes that lead to skin cancer.
No matter if it's cloudy, winter or you're inside, these UV rays can impact you and wearing your SPF is important 365 days a year. Make sure to reapply regularly and keep topping it up every two hours, too.
As we believe in axing the cosmetic tax currently on SPF in the UK, you can shop all our sunscreens at 20% off, making SPF more accessible than ever.
We have a range of the top brands and suitable sunscreens for every skin type.
Shop SPF Without The VAT
Where can I find reputable clinics offering private mole checks?
At Face the Future, we take sun health very seriously. At our clinic, we offer Map My Mole, where you can get any mole you are concerned or worried about checked and have an answer within 48 hours, if you need to take further steps or not.
Skin cancer FAQs
Which skin cancer is worse, basal or squamous?
SCC is considered more dangerous as it is more likely to spread or grow faster than BCC. However, it is still very rare that it does spread, and when detected early on can be easily treated.
What type of skin cancer is the most curable?
BCC is considered the most curable cancer, as it is extremely rare for it to spread to any other area in the body. Doctors can cure basal cell skin cancers effectively, with not many needing to return for further treatment.
Is skin cancer the easiest cancer to get rid of?
Particularly, non-melanoma skin cancer is considered easier to cure as it can be removed and rarely spreads further.
