BCC (or basal cell carcinoma) is the most common type of skin cancer in New Zealand
What is a skin cancer?
Skin cancer is cancer that begins on the skin.
Like the rest of your body, the skin is made of tiny 'building blocks' called cells.
Skin cancer begins when these cells are damaged, for example, by the sun, and they become cancerous (Cancer Society, 2023)
What causes the cells to be damaged (and to cause a BCC)?
The biggest cause is UVR (ultraviolet radiation).
Repeated exposure to UVR causes changes in the DNA of the cells of the skin.
It has been hypothesised, that it is the cumulative effect of UV rays on our skin that cause BCC.
What does a BCC look like?
a slow growing plaque or nodule
a shiny nodule with 'rolled' edges
there may be ulceration (or associate bleeding)
sometimes they look just like an indented scar
can feel firm to touch
Photos courtesy of Dermnet NZ
As with any skin cancer, if you have a lesion that is not going away or is changing, please get it checked!
How do you treat a BCC?
There are several different types of BCC so treatment will depend on what type you have. Some treatment options include:
topical creams
liquid nitrogen
excision
radiotherapy
How do you prevent getting a BCC?
Because UVR is the biggest risk factor, practicing sun safe behaviour EVERYDAY will reduce your risk. This includes:
wearing your sunscreen (head & neck) EVERYDAY - because even small bouts of sun exposure can add up e.g. going from your car to work to home etc, walking the dog, driving your car, sitting in the sun indoors
UVA penetrates through the clouds and glass so even if you are indoors, you potentially can get the damaging effects of UVA
wear a wide brimmed hat when outside
wear clothes with UV protection - don't forget to sunscreen your hands!
wear sunglasses
avoid tanning (outside or sunbeds) whether you are wearing sunscreen or not
(don't let this be you!)
A little bit of sun is essential for Vitamin D but make it before 10am in the morning or after 4pm in the winter and 6pm in the summer.
Make sure you are wearing a sunscreen with good UVA and UVB protection. Now that the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act 2022 has been passed, we can be more sure that what we are buying does what it actually says it does but if unsure, check with your local cancer society, health provider, or nurse educator.
If you have a spot that is NEW, changing or you're not sure - get it checked. SKiNTUITION offers 'spot checks' using dermoscopy to analyse the lesion for you.
IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT!
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