Hugh Jackman uploaded this image to Instagram
Hugh Jackman revealed this week his skin cancer scare when doctors diagnosed a mark on his nose as cancerous cells.
The actor took to his Instagram account to post a picture of his face with a bandage on his nose, he wrote in the caption:
"Deb said to get the mark on my nose checked. Boy, was she right! I had a basil cell carcinoma. Please don't be foolish like me. Get yourself checked. And USE sunscreen!!!"
Iain Mack, founder of themoleclinic.co.uk and fellow skin cancer survivor says: “Men are less likely to develop skin cancer than women; however they are more likely to die from it due to lack of awareness. The number of British men who die each year of skin cancer melanoma has exceeded 1,000. Around 2000 people die of melanoma a year and over 1000 are men. The latest melanoma survival rates show that 78% of men and 91% of women are alive five years after diagnosis.
“Skin Cancer usually appears as a new or changing mole or freckle. Skin Cancer has no cure, so it is important for the public to become more aware of their moles and spot any that might be suspect. If a mole is new or changing it needs to be examined by an expert right away."
Over half of people with moles which are cancerous or at risk of skin cancer have a history of sunburn or sunbed use, according to figures released by The MOLE Clinic. In the past 12 months, the London-based independent skin cancer screening clinic screened more than 10,000 moles - half for the NHS and half for private patients. This is a record figure in the company's 10 years of skin cancer screening.
To ensure you have all the knowledge when it comes to skin cancer, Dr Virginia Hubbard, Consultant Dermatologist at London Bridge Hospital www.londonbridgehospital.com has shared her knowledge.
What types of skin cancer are there?
There are varying types of skin cancer. Dermatologists describe these as melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma (cancerous moles) has, in general, the most potential of causing serious health problems if not treated early.
Why is it important to detect skin cancer early on?
If a melanoma is detected and treated early, before it has a chance to spread deep into the skin or to lymph glands and other parts of the body, there is a higher chance of the patient doing well and having no further problems. Around three in every four people diagnosed and treated with melanoma have no further problems once the cancerous mole is removed.
How often should you check your moles?
I recommend people examine their own skin every month. People with fair skin, who burn easily, and people with lots of moles should take particular care, as these people are more likely to develop a skin cancer.
What should you be checking for when you examine your moles?
First, look for any new moles. Second, look for changes in existing moles. These changes can be remembered by the ABCD-E rules. That is:
A – Asymmetry. The shape of the mole is not even in the 2 halves.
B – Border. The edge of the mole is irregular.
C – Colour. There may be different colours within a mole - pink, brown, black or white. In general, if a mole has 3 or more colours within, then it needs to be assessed by an expert. Any change in colour should also trigger a visit to the doctor.
D - Diameter. Cancerous moles are usually bigger than 6mm in diameter. Also, any increase in size should be noted.
E – Expert. If in any doubt, seek advice from your doctor. If your GP is concerned, then you will be referred to a dermatologist.
Do you have any tips on keeping track of mole changes?
Taking digital photographs of the skin can be a useful aid in monitoring any changes in existing moles or the development of new moles. Ideally photos of all the body areas should be recorded – chest, tummy, upper and lower legs (front and back), back, arms, face and scalp. Having a friend, partner or family member to help with ‘spot the difference’ can make things easier, especially for areas such as the back and scalp.
Is there anything else (other than moles) that could indicate skin cancer?
Often melanomas look like a flat discoloured brown or black patch, that spreads out over time. Other melanomas present as discoloured lumps on the skin. Sometimes a melanoma can present with a new bleeding lump on the skin. Aside from melanoma, there are other types of skin cancer, that look different. These may present as a new crusted or bleeding patch or lump or as an ulcer or break in the skin. As with melanoma, the early these other types of skin cancer are detected, the better.
When should you seek medical help?
As soon as you notice a new mole or any of the above changes in a mole.
What are the key steps to limit your risk of skin cancer?
Check your skin regularly. If in any doubt about any changes in a mole, seek expert help.
Avoid sunburn of your skin. Use a sunscreen of at least SPF30, with UVA protection too.
Use twice as much sunscreen as you think you need – most people apply it far too thinly. Make sure you reapply every hour or so, especially if sweating or after swimming.
Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
Keep babies and children out of the sun. Use UV protective suits and hats with brims and keep them in the shade where possible.
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