Skin Cancer
The skin is the largest organ in the body. Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Aotearoa has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to the country’s significantly high UV levels. There are three main types of skin cancer, each named after the type of skin cell in the epidermis in which they start:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancers, or keratinocyte cancers.
BCC starts in the basal cells of the epidermis. It is the most common type but least dangerous type of skin cancer, accounting for about two-thirds of cases. It tends to grow slowly and doesn’t spread.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC starts in the squamous cells, which are flat cells near the surface of the skin. It accounts for about a third of non-melanoma skin cancers. If untreated, SCC can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma
Melanoma starts from melanocytes, the cells in the skin that produce melanin, which colours (pigments) the skin. It can spread (metastasise) very quickly throughout the body if not treated.
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Aotearoa in all age groups but is the fifth most common cancer affecting rangatahi.
Disclosure: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult a qualified medical professional or your healthcare provider if your are seeking medical advice.
Support
Discovering you, or a member of your whānau, is facing a skin cancer can be really hard. A diagnosis of a male reproductive system cancer can result in a range of mixed reactions and life challenges.
Cancer affects everyone differently. That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help rangatahi manage the specific challenges they’re dealing with. Canteen services and events can help you find ways to cope with what life looks like now you are facing these unexpected challenges.
You can talk to one of our specialist clinical team about the impacts of cancer on your life. This can be either in person, over the phone, or online. Rangatahi can also connect online 24/7 with peers who understand what you’re going through.
For more support and information on skin cancer, we also recommend visiting the Cancer Control Agency website, or speaking with your Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) key worker at your hospital.