Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This is the second most common skin cancer we see at SCT. SCCs occur when your skin cells’ DNA is damaged by exposure to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight.
How will I know if I have an SCC?
SCC’s most commonly present on sun-exposed parts of the body (ears, lips, head and neck and legs) but can occur anywhere. SCC’s look different on every person but often present as a persistent patch of scaly skin that doesn’t heal, or a sore that bleeds or crusts.
SCC’s are easily and successfully treated if caught early, but if they are allowed to grow they can invade the deeper layers of the skin and spread to other parts of the body.
How can I prevent SCC’s?
Come and see one of our team who can discuss your individual skin cancer risks, diagnose lesions, and give you a personal treatment plan.
Prevention is key – Protecting yourself from sun / Ultraviolet exposure will help prevent further sun damage.
- Avoid direct sunlight during times of peak UV radiation levels; particularly from 10 am to 4 pm between September and April and do not get sunburned.
- Protection of exposed areas of skin using appropriate, densely-woven clothing, e.g. long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed or flapped hats, UV-protective sunglasses (ideally wrap-around style)
- Application of broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen (at least SPF30* and preferably SPF50+); it is recommended that sunscreen is applied 20 minutes before going outside, reapplied 10–20 minutes after going outside (the “two coat” approach), and every two hours after that
- Unnecessary UV radiation exposure via artificial tanning device use, e.g. sunbeds, should be avoided unless under medical supervision for certain health conditions e.g. psoriasis.
See our Sunscreens page for more information.
Source: https://bpac.org.nz/
