In support of Skin Cancer Awareness Month held annually in June, dermatology experts at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) are joining different healthcare organisations worldwide in raising awareness of skin cancer.

They emphasise the performance of regular self-checks to search for early signs of skin cancer and highlight the importance of seeking prompt medical assistance when symptoms of skin cancer appear.

Types of skin cancer

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin tissues commonly caused by the skin’s prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning beds. It develops when errors or mutations occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the cell to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells. When it is detected early, skin cancer is one of the most highly treatable forms of cancer.

Many types of skin cancer exist, including Melanoma, which affects melanocytes (cells responsible for skin colouring) and non-Melanoma skin cancer or NMSC, which affects the cells of the upper layer of skin. It has two types – the Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), considered the most common type of skin cancer. It is slow growing, more common, but less severe. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type after BCC. There are other rare types of skin cancer, like B-cell and T-cell Lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma and Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Among all types of skin cancer, Melanoma is the most dangerous. It can develop on a newly appearing mole or a pre-existing one; it can seem like a dark or multi-coloured spot on any skin part, including on nails.

Though UV radiation from sunshine or tanning beds can increase the risk of developing it, Melanoma can grow even on skin parts that are not exposed. If Melanoma is recognised and treated early, it is highly curable. If not treated early, this type of cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to control and can be fatal.

Although anyone can be affected by skin cancer, people with fair and lighter skin and those with a family history of skin cancer are more likely to develop the disease.

Dr Nazeeha Al-Hayki

According to Dr Nazeeha Al-Hayki, Senior Consultant and Chair of Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team and of the National Clinical Advisory Group of Dermatology at Rumailah Hospital, they have advanced imaging technology in foto-finder and confocal microscope for early skin cancer detection.

She said it is crucial to check all the skin, including the back, soles of feet, between fingers and toes, and under the nails. People should also regularly check the skin for any changes, especially in patients with multiple moles. She said that if any change appears, the person should seek immediate medical assistance and get a referral to see an expert dermatologist. Any existing moles, a new spot or an existing spot that changes in colour, size or shape, bleeding, or itching is a sign of concern.

Urging people to take some precautionary measures, Dr Al Hayki said it is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10 am to 4 pm and especially during peak temperatures.

When people go out, they should wear sun protective clothing covering as much skin as possible. Another good way to protect oneself from being affected is wearing a hat with a broad brim that covers the face, head, neck, and ears. People should also apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sun block of SPF 30+ or higher at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and repeat application every three hours.

Dr Al Hayki encourages the public to use the ABCDE checklist below to spot changes as early as possible.

  • Asymmetry – one half of the mole doesn’t match the other
  • Border irregularity – the outer edges are uneven
  • Colour that is not uniform – dark black or multiple colours
  • Diameter greater than six millimeters – about the size of a pencil head eraser
  • Evolving – change in size, shape, or colour

If any unusual spots appear on the skin, people must take a quick visit to the nearest health care centre for a check-up by a physician. If the physician has any suspicions regarding the spot, the patient will be referred  immediately to a skin cancer expert in the dermatology department at Rumailah Hospital for further investigation.

The HMC Department of Dermatology and Venereology provides dermatology health services to patients with all skin conditions, including skin cancers, immune and allergic processes, diseases of other organ systems with skin manifestations, and skin infections. Patients seeking a medical consultation at the dermatology outpatients can obtain a referral from PHCC or a private clinic. They can also call the HMC Nesma’ak team on 16060 to book an appointment.


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