When to contact your GP
Contact your GP if you have the following symptoms:
- a skin growth that is getting bigger or changing
- a sore, scab or patch that does not heal in 4 weeks
- a growth that bleeds, crusts or itches
Types of skin cancer
There are two main types of skin cancer. You can learn more about them on the NHS website:
Symptoms
The main symptom is a new growth, such as a mole or unusual patch of skin that does not heal, or changes to an existing mole.
It can appear anywhere on your body. It's most commonly found on the back, legs, arms or face.
They are often:
- an irregular shape
- raised and smooth with clear edges
- a flat discoloured patch
- more than one colour
- larger than normal moles
- rough, crusty or scaly
- red, brown, purple or darker on brown or black skin
- itchy, sore or bleeding
When to contact your GP
If you notice any changes to your skin, including growths or moles, book a GP appointment. Your GP will refer you to the hospital if you need to be assessed by the Dermatology Team. Finding skin cancer early can make treatment easier.
List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey
What to expect during your appointment
At your appointment, your GP may:
- ask you about all your symptoms
- examine your skin
- take a photograph to send to a specialist for review
- discuss your sun exposure
- ask if there’s a family history of skin cancer
You may be referred urgently for further tests. This does not mean you have cancer.
Testing and results
If you're referred to a specialist they:
- will examine your skin, sometimes using a magnifying device
- may remove a small area for lab testing. This is called an excision biopsy
You may need additional tests, known as staging. This is carried out to check how deep or widespread the cancer is, and can include:
- CT or MRI scans. These are scans that take pictures of the inside of your body
- lymph node checks
- blood tests
You'll usually receive your results within 2 weeks.
Further tests are not always needed if you're diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer.
Support after your diagnosis
Being diagnosed can feel overwhelming and can take some time to process. Your care team are here to support you. The team include:
- hospital specialists
- a clinical nurse specialist, who will be your main point of contact
If you have any questions, you can contact us:
Treatment
The main treatment for skin cancer is surgery. Treatment will depend on how deep or thick the melanoma is.
Early-stage melanoma is often cured with surgery.
If you have advanced melanoma, we may treat you to slow progression and reduce symptoms.
Follow-up treatment and monitoring
Melanoma can unfortunately come back, particularly if it's thick or has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. If you're at risk of skin cancer returning, you will:
- have regular follow-up appointments
- be shown how to check your skin and lymph nodes at home
Causes and risks
Your risk of developing skin cancer is higher if you have:
- pale skin that burns easily in the sun
- red or fair hair
- blue or green eyes
- a large number of freckles or moles
- had a lot of sun exposure and you've had sunburn a lot in the past
- used or continue to use sunbeds
- a history of skin cancer in your family or you've had skin cancer before
If you have brown or black skin there's a lower risk of developing skin cancer, however it can still occur.
How to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer
Skin cancer is not always preventable. However, sun exposure is the main preventable cause of most skin cancers.
Do
use sunscreen which is SPF 30 or higher with 4 or 5 star UVB protection or the UVA circle symbol
limit the time you spend in the sun
avoid sunburn and not deliberately getting a suntan
not use sunbeds
wear UPF protective clothing, long sleeves and cover your shoulders and wear a wide brimmed hat
choose fabrics that you can’t see through
wear dark or bright clothing, for better UV protection
wear sunglasses, with CE marking, UV400 or 100 percent UV protection and side protection, such as wraparound or larger styles
make sure babies and children are protected from the sun. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin
How to use sunscreen effectively
Sunscreen does not completely protect you.
Remember that:
- it does not make sunbathing safe
- a tan is a sign of skin damage
-
fake tan or spray tan is safer than sun exposure or sunbeds
Do
apply generously and evenly
use lotions, pump sprays or roll-ons, rather than aerosols
reapply regularly, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying
reapply all sunscreen products, even those as marked as once-a-day or water resistant
use sunscreen even if your moisturiser or makeup contains SPF
ensure your sunscreen is currently in date
note the date you open your sunscreen. The open jar symbol on it will tell you how long it can be used for, for example if it has to be used within 12 months
Support available in Jersey
Dermatology Department
Macmillan Jersey
Further information and resources
Skin cancer symptoms, tests and treatment on the CancerResearchUK website
Just been diagnosed? on the Macmillan Cancer Support website
gov.je