RISKS & CAUSES OF MELANOMA SKIN CANCER
London Dermatology | 11 October 2024
Numerous factors influence your chance of getting melanoma. This covers some medical issues as well as lifestyle variables. In the United Kingdom, about 85 out of 100 melanomas (85%) are caused by excessive UV exposure.
In the UK, melanoma skin cancer ranks fifth in terms of overall cancer incidence. Over the past several decades, there has been a rise in the frequency of melanoma diagnoses in the UK.
As people age, their chance of developing melanoma rises. Therefore, elderly persons are more likely to have it. In the United Kingdom, around 30% of individuals with a melanoma diagnosis are 75 years of age or older. However, it is also very prevalent in younger individuals when compared to the majority of other cancer forms.
The primary environmental element that raises the chance of getting melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) light. Another name for it is UV radiation. The sun or sunbeds are the source of UV light. Approximately 85% of melanomas in the UK are brought on by excessive UV radiation.
Some people are occasionally exposed to intense sunshine, such as when they travel to a hot area for vacation. Compared to persons who are frequently exposed to sunshine, such those who work outside, these individuals are more likely to get melanoma.
The majority of individuals in the UK spend the whole year out of the sun. However, since it became common to travel overseas and obtain a sun tan, the number of persons in the UK who are developing melanoma has significantly grown.
The UVA light used in sunbeds has been linked to both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, according to research. Sunbed usage has been linked to melanoma by the International Agency for Research into Cancer (IARC).
Those who have used sunbeds are more likely to get melanoma. Additionally, those who use sunbeds before the age of 35 are at the biggest risk. Under-18s are not allowed to use sunbeds in the UK.
White people are more likely to have melanoma, especially if they have light or red hair. Those that have a lot of freckles are also.
Although they are more naturally protected against melanoma, those with dark or black skin might still develop it.
among the UK, melanoma is uncommon among those with dark or black skin. If they do, the melanoma usually appears on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. We refer to this as acral lentiginous melanoma. It may also develop beneath the nail.
Your chance of developing melanoma increases with the number of moles you have on your body. According to one study, those with 100 or more common moles had a greater chance of developing melanoma than those with 15 or fewer.
Having several moles does not guarantee that you will get melanoma. However, it does indicate that you should use extreme caution when in the sun. Additionally, you should routinely examine your skin and moles for any changes.
Atypical mole syndrome, which is characterised by a high number of big or strangely shaped moles, increases the risk of melanoma compared to the general population. A giant mole has a diameter of more than 5 mm.
Coloured spots on a newborn’s skin are known as birthmarks. Alternatively, they may form within the first few weeks of life. distinct birthmarks are composed of distinct cell types.
There is little chance that the majority of birthmarks, including strawberry markings and ordinary port wine stains, will turn into cancer. However, if it is greater than 20 cm, a very uncommon kind known as a gigantic congenital melanocytic naevus may progress to melanoma.
It is advised by doctors that you routinely examine all birthmarks for any indications of alterations. A dermatologist should examine people with big congenital melanocytic naevi on a frequent basis.