What is skin cancer screening?
Skin cancer screening is a crucial step in the early detection of potentially cancerous lesions, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Early detection enables rapid, conservative treatment, which considerably increases the chances of recovery.
The different types of skin cancer are:
- Melanoma: The most serious of skin cancers, because it can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.
- Basal cell carcinoma: The most common, generally less aggressive and rarely spreading.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: More aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and can, in some cases, spread.
Risk factors:
Some people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer and need to be particularly vigilant. Here are the different risk factors:
- Excessive exposure to sunlight or UV rays (solarium).
- Fair skin, blond or red hair, tendency to sunburn.
- Family or personal history of skin cancer.
- Presence of numerous moles or freckles.
- Weakened immune system (e.g. immunosuppression, organ transplant patients).
Screening techniques:
Self-examination Individuals should examine their skin regularly, ideally once a month, using a mirror and observing all parts of the body. Changes in mole color, size or appearance are warning signs.
ABCDE Rule Tool for evaluating suspicious moles :
A for Asymmetry: one half is different from the other.
B for Borders: irregular or ill-defined borders.
C for Color: color variation (brown, black, red, white, blue).
D for Diameter: mole larger than 6 mm.
E for Evolution: rapid changes in appearance.
Dermatological consultation A dermatologist can perform a skin examination, usually once a year for those at risk. Dermoscopy (a visualization tool with light and magnification) is often used to examine suspicious lesions more closely.
How can skin cancer be effectively detected?
Skin cancer screening is essentially based on vigilance and regular self-examination. For those at high risk, an annual dermatological consultation is recommended. Early diagnosis remains the best way to effectively treat skin cancer.