Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding the signs and the impact of delayed diagnosis

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding the signs and the impact of delayed diagnosis

Izzy Robinson, Clinical Negligence

Skin Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and the impact delayed treatment can have on patients and their families.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and, in many cases, outcomes can be significantly improved through prompt investigation and treatment. However, delays in diagnosis, missed warning signs, or failures in referral can lead to avoidable progression of the disease and more extensive treatment.

Izzy Robinson from Hay & Kilner’s Clinical Negligence Team outlines the common types of skin cancer, the warning signs to look out for, and the steps you can take if you have concerns about the care or treatment you or a loved one has received.

**What is skin cancer? **
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and is the most common type of cancer worldwide. In the UK, melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting young people aged between 15-34.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma which often presents as sores, scars or red patches
• Squamous cell carcinoma often presents as scaly red patches, warts or open sores.
• Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer which often presents through moles.

Risk factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including:

• Family history of skin cancer
• Skin that burns or freckles easily
• Light hair and light eyes
• History of sunburn
• Prolonged sun exposure / sun beds

How to protect yourself
There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk of skin cancer:

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and a 4 or 5-star UVA rating
• Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating
• Stay in the shade during peak sunlight hours, particularly between 11.00am-3.00pm
• Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV protection sunglasses

In the UK, the UV Index can help you understand when sun protection is particularly important. When the UV Index reaches 3 or above, it is recommended that sunscreen is worn and sun safety precautions are taken.

What to do if you are concerned about skin cancer
If you notice any changes to your skin or moles, you can use the ABCDE checklist to monitor potential warning signs:

• A: Asymmetry (does the shape on one half of the mole match the other half?)
• B: Border (is the border irregular?)
• C: Colour (is the colour uneven?)
• D: Diameter (is the mole increasing in size?)
• E: Evolving (has the mole changed over the past few weeks/months?)

You should also book a GP appointment who will assess your skin changes in line with the ABCDE guidelines and your risk factors. If your GP is suspicious of skin cancer, they may refer you to a dermatologist who may review your skin in closer detail using a dermatoscope.

A dermatoscope is a small instrument which magnifies the area of skin they are reviewing. The dermatologist may also take a biopsy of the lesion and may take photographs.

It is also recommended that you take photographs of any suspicious skin markings so you can spot areas of change over time.

If after your GP appointment you are still concerned about skin cancer/the diagnosis/treatment you are entitled to ask for a second opinion. It is important to advocate for yourself as early diagnosis provides the best prognosis long term.

How can we help?
Delays in diagnosing skin cancer can have serious consequences, including the need for more invasive treatment and a poorer prognosis. If you believe that warning signs were missed, referrals were delayed, or treatment fell below an acceptable standard, you may be entitled to pursue a clinical negligence claim.

Get in touch with Hay & Kilner’s experienced Clinical Negligence Team for a free, no-obligation discussion.