Dr. Max Pemberton, a London-based doctor, is urging greater public awareness of skin cancer signs after a personal experience where he almost missed his own diagnosis. Pemberton noted that skin cancer does not always appear as a dark, changing mole, emphasizing that red, scaly, or crusty patches can also be indicators.
Pemberton described noticing a small, faintly red mark on his cheekbone that initially resembled a harmless spot. Despite its slight growth and occasional bleeding, he delayed seeking medical attention due to a past benign finding and a misconception that red marks were not indicative of skin cancer. His dermatologist confirmed it was a squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
"In fair-skinned people like me, she explained, skin cancer often looks nothing like the textbook mole. It can be a red mark. A scaly patch. A small sore that scabs and bleeds and never quite heals," Pemberton stated, noting his surprise at this information despite his medical background.
He learned that while squamous cell carcinoma has a high cure rate when caught early, his delay meant his case was not detected in its earliest stages. Fortunately, he recovered with only minor scarring.
Beyond the Mole
The doctor also highlighted that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can sometimes appear pink or red in individuals with fair skin, making it easily mistaken for other conditions. He cited the case of reggae artist Bob Marley, who died of melanoma at age 36. Marley's cancer reportedly began as a dark mark under his toenail, which he initially attributed to an injury. This type of melanoma is not always caused by sun damage, making it difficult to detect, especially in less visible areas like the soles of the feet or under nails.
Pemberton also addressed the myth that skin cancer primarily affects fair-skinned individuals, noting that people with darker skin are also susceptible, as exemplified by Marley's death. He stressed that skin cancer can develop in areas not exposed to the sun.
Rising Rates and Prevention
According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma diagnoses are at a record high in the UK, with an expected increase in the coming years, partly due to hotter summers. More common non-melanoma skin cancers have also seen a significant rise since the early 1990s.
Pemberton stated that most skin cancers are preventable, primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds. He advised individuals to monitor their skin for any persistent marks that are red, scaly, or crusted, as well as any sores that do not heal. He also recommended checking often-overlooked areas such as behind the ears, the scalp, and the soles of the feet, regardless of skin tone.
He urged everyone to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, avoid sunbeds, and to seek medical attention for any suspicious skin changes, emphasizing the importance of not dismissing a nagging concern, as he himself did.