Skin cancer

To learn how to perform a self-examination of your skin, go to the Website of the Save Your Skin Foundation or check out the tool developed by the Canadian Dermatology Association (in French only).

There are three major types of skin cancer. They are:

• Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent but less dangerous type of skin cancer. This being said, treatment must nonetheless be undertaken as soon as possible, to prevent the cancer from spreading. This cancer appears most often on the face and neck. In the case of people with fair skin, it will often manifest as a small firm pink bump, a lesion that heals then reappears, or a small reddish dry spot. In people with darker skin, the small bump may be browner or blacker as well as shiny, depending on the skin tone.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequently encountered type of skin cancer and is faster-spreading than basal cell carcinoma. It manifests as a thick, crusty, and reddish nodule (small bump) or bumps on the scalp. It can also resemble a wart.
• Malignant melanoma is the least common, but also the most serious. If detected early, it can usually be cured in 90% of cases. If detected at a later stage, it may have spread throughout the body, at which point it will be very difficult to control and treat.

The key to treating all of these cancers is early detection. 

Screening for skin cancer is particularly important (recommended) for individuals from the following groups:

• Blondes or redheads, with blue eyes or freckles.
• People with a personal or family history of melanoma or skin carcinoma.
• People with obvious skin damage from overexposure to the sun or who have suffered sunburns in the past.
• Individuals with several beauty marks.
• Immunocompromised individuals (i.e., with a weak immune system).
• People who go to tanning salons or did so in the past.
• Individuals who have undergone phototherapy.

If you display symptoms or have risk factors associated with skin cancer, speak with a healthcare professional.

It is recommended to limit one’s exposure to the sun and to adhere to the standard precautions for protecting one’s skin. For tips on how to prevent skin cancer, read our Website section on Prevention – Protect your skin from the sun.