Skin Conditions – Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer has a high cure rate if detected and treated early. Hence, vigilant and routine skin cancer screening is necessary，especially in high risk, fair-skinned individuals. There are three types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Malignant melanoma, with the first two being more common, making up 95% of all skin cancers, whereas melanoma is the most serious causing 75% of skin cancer deaths. UV radiation from the sun is the main causative factor for skin cancer.

The most common warning sign is a visible change on the skin, a new growth, or a change in an existing lesion or mole. Here are the ABCDE’s of what to look for in skin cancer:

1. Asymmetry
2. Border irregularity
3. Colour variations
4. Diameter greater than 5mm
5. Enlargement or Elevation.