You must detect this danger early

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer refers to various malignant tumours of the skin. The skin works hard every day to protect us from environmental factors such as heat, cold or dirt. However, it is also exposed to harmful UV rays, which in excess can cause skin cancer.

There are different types of skin cancer. On the one hand, there is non‑melanoma or light skin cancer, which is locally confined and generally treatable. It is the most common form of skin cancer. On the other hand, there is melanoma, or malignant melanoma, which is far more aggressive. It can spread through the lymphatic system and form metastases. Early detection is crucial, because at an early stage the chances of cure are still very high.

How does skin cancer develop?

Skin cancer is caused by various factors, with pigmented moles playing an important role. Moles can be present at birth or acquired during life. 

Congenital pigmented lesions are visible at birth or shortly afterwards, while acquired pigmented lesions can result from a local overproduction of the pigment melanin. This can be triggered by sun exposure, ageing, hormonal changes and genetic predisposition. 

Congenital pigmented naevi can, especially in young people, lead to melanoma, whereas malignant melanomas that develop from pigmented lesions acquired during life occur more frequently in older people. With increasing age the number of pigmented and age spots usually rises, which can increase the risk of melanoma.

How can you recognise skin cancer?

Recognising skin cancer is important and sometimes challenging, as the symptoms can be very diverse, similar to other cancers.

The most common forms of non‑melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which occur in the upper layers of the skin. Symptoms of light skin cancer can include scaly, reddened patches. It may also appear as a pale scar or even be darkly pigmented, resembling melanoma.

Melanoma is typically flat, dark and irregular. The colour of this malignant skin tumour can vary from grey to brown to black. At first glance, a melanoma often looks like a mole. An important difference is that colour, size and shape may change over time.

What is skin cancer screening?

The aim of skin cancer screening is to detect melanoma and non‑melanoma skin cancers as early as possible. From the age of 35, people should attend a screening examination for early detection of skin cancer every two years. This is performed by a qualified general practitioner or dermatologist and is covered by statutory health insurance.

The procedure generally follows a fixed scheme. First, medical history is taken to collect information about skin cancer in the family. This is followed by a physical examination during which the skin is examined from head to toe. If suspicious skin changes are found, the doctor will initiate further investigations to establish a precise diagnosis.

How can you prevent skin cancer?

Everyone can take steps to prevent skin cancer. It is important to handle the sun carefully. Sunlight is beneficial for well‑being and vitamin D production, but too much can be harmful. 

Tanning beds should be avoided. Even though many people believe that tanning in a solarium protects against sunburn, this is a misconception. Tanning beds also increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Their use is legally prohibited for children and adolescents under 18.

Regular self‑examination is also necessary, as careful inspection can help detect skin changes early. The ABCDE rule can assist in identifying suspicious features.

The ABCDE rule is an important aid for early detection of melanoma. Each letter stands for a warning sign in a mole: A: Asymmetry – the mole is not symmetrical. B: Border – the edge is blurred, irregular or notched. C: Colour – the mole has uneven or varied colouring. D: Diameter – the diameter is greater than 5 mm. E: Evolution – the mole changes in size, shape, colour or surface, or is new.

The presence of these features does not automatically mean skin cancer, but the risk increases with each additional criterion. If several or all of these criteria apply to a mole, this can be a sign of malignant melanoma. In that case it is strongly recommended to see a dermatologist for further evaluation. Early detection is essential to improve treatment options and reduce serious health risks.

Can diet prevent skin cancer?

There are initial indications that certain natural remedies can be used as supportive measures in the treatment of skin cancer. These include medicinal plants, plant compounds, foods, teas and other naturopathic measures. They should not be regarded as sole therapy but used alongside other treatments and discussed with a physician beforehand.

An example of a natural agent against skin damage is hibiscus, whose extract taken orally has been shown to prevent UV‑induced skin damage. Polyphenols from green tea are similarly effective; they can reduce the risk of skin cancer and inhibit tumour growth. Also, resveratrol, a plant compound from grapes, shows protective effects against skin cancer by reducing cellular mutations and blocking carcinogenesis.

In addition to these plant compounds, certain foods such as tomatoes, which are rich in carotenoids like lycopene, can reduce the risk of skin cancer. Manuka honey is also described as effective against actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin lesion.

Practical tips to reduce your skin cancer risk

• Wear long, airy clothing, a sun hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV radiation.
• Apply plenty of sunscreen to uncovered body parts, especially the face, ears, shoulders, hands, forearms and tops of the feet.
• For extended outdoor stays use sunscreens with a high SPF and reapply every two hours. Using sunscreen helps minimise the risk of skin cancer from UV exposure.
• When swimming, use water‑resistant sunscreens and prefer textile sun protection.
• Pay special attention to protecting infants and young children from the sun and use sunscreens suitable for them.
• Avoid the midday sun between 11 am and 3 pm and be aware of increased UV exposure near water, sand or snow and at higher altitudes.
• Stay in the shade to protect yourself from harmful sun exposure, as the skin's natural protection time varies by skin type.
• Be cautious when spending time in the sun or in a tanning bed, as this increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
• Avoid excessive sunbathing to minimise the risk of skin damage.
• During self‑examination ensure good lighting so you can see all body parts clearly.
• Examine the entire skin, including hard‑to‑reach areas like the scalp and between the toes.
• Use a mirror as an aid and inspect your body systematically.
• Pay particular attention to skin areas most exposed to the sun.
• Remember to have your skin checked regularly to detect suspicious changes and the development of skin cancer early.
• Watch for signs of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer caused by UV exposure, and see a doctor in time.
• Note that dermatologists play an important role in preventing skin cancer. Specialists can inform you about types of skin cancer and prevention, recommend sunscreens suitable for your skin and advise about risk factors.

Regular skin cancer screening is important to detect potentially dangerous changes early. The health of our skin is central to our overall well‑being and requires active, conscious care.