Latest news with #skinCancer
Sky News
8 hours ago
- Health
- Sky News
Sunburn isn't just red skin - here's what's happening underneath the burn
The government is warning that the NHS will be under even more pressure this weekend as temperatures soar, so looking after yourself in the sunshine is crucial. But how much do you know about the science behind sunburn… and how to prevent it? What is sunburn? While we all know what sunburned skin looks like - red and sore - it might not be so clear what is happening underneath the skin. "Essentially, it's inflammation," said Dr Rachel Abbott, a consultant dermatologist who specialises in skin cancer for the Cardiff and Vale University health board. Ultraviolet radiation is carcinogenic and when it is allowed to penetrate the skin, it triggers an inflammatory reaction, said Dr Abbott. Histamines - chemicals produced by the body's immune system - and prostaglandins - compounds that help the body deal with injuries and illness - are released as your body begins reacting to the damage. 0:54 Although the inflamed, red, itchy skin will fade, those carcinogens will do permanent damage to your DNA, according to Dr Abbott. "The redness and pain can be managed symptomatically, but that DNA damage is permanent," she said. "We've all got DNA repair mechanisms in our bodies. But this is why we're seeing such a massive increase in skin cancer, because [as we get older], the battle between the DNA damage and the skin cells becomes more than the immune system can cope with." Since the early 1990s, the number of skin cancer cases in Britain has more than doubled and last year, the number of cases was predicted to hit an all-time high of 20,800, according to Cancer Research UK. The cancer charity partially attributed the rise in cases to older groups of people knowing "less about the dangers of tanning in their youth", who "may have taken advantage of the cheap package holiday boom from the 1960s". This would lead to increased sun exposure and more damaged DNA, increasing the risk of skin cancer further down the line. The 'most effective' protection (and it isn't suncream) There is currently no conclusive treatment to deal with the DNA damage caused by sunburn - although Dr Abbott said there is "exciting" work being done in that area. Instead, the way to stop yourself from sustaining long-term damage is to protect yourself from UV rays. "A lot of people associate temperature with the heat of the sun, whereas actually it's the UV index that's the critical thing. And that usually peaks around midday," said Dr Abbott. 1:19 Contrary to what some may think (or hope), suncream should be a last resort. Shade "is the most effective thing", she said, but if you have to be out in the sunshine, "obviously we recommend hats, clothing and then sunscreen". "It is a last resort for those areas that you can't cover up with clothing and hats, and sunglasses." The cancer care charity Macmillan recommends a suncream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50, or at least 30, and to reapply it regularly. "There is no such thing as a safe suntan," advises the charity. It also recommends using around six to eight teaspoons of suncream for an adult - one teaspoon for each limb, one for your chest, one for your back and one for your head and neck.
CNET
2 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Spot Skin Cancer With Your Smartphone With These 3 Apps
Summer means swimsuits and sunburns, and to prevent that painful peeling and the skin damage accompanying it, sunscreen and/or UV-blocking clothing is absolutely essential. Even if you're not going to be outside for long, cancer-causing skin damage can still occur, and in fact, it can even occur inside if your windows don't have a UV-blocking film. Skin cancer accounts for more diagnoses each year than all other cancers, but the good news is that early detection could be the difference between a simple mole removal or malignant cancer that spreads to other parts of the body. Documenting suspicious marks and moles is important, and the top-notch cameras on our favorite smartphones today make it easy as pie to take them, back them up, and then send them on to your dermatologist. A handful of smartphone apps and devices claim to aid early detection and keep you on track with regular self-exams. These apps can be helpful, but they do have limitations, so it's important to follow conventional wisdom to protect yourself. Here's what you need to know about using your smartphone to detect skin cancer. Read more: What SPF Should You Really Use? Here's What a Dermatologist Says Know the facts about skin cancer Every year, doctors diagnose more than 4 million cases of nonmelanoma (including basal and squamous cell) skin cancers in the US, and the number of melanoma deaths is expected to increase by 4.4 percent in 2023, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which develop on the outer layers of the skin, are more common and usually less harmful than melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer because it more easily spreads to other bodily systems, becoming metastatic melanoma, and can impact any organ in the body. It originates in the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, called melanocytes. It's an aggressive form of cancer and accounts for nearly 10,000 deaths each year. Even with early detection, it can be fatal. Symptoms of all types of skin cancers include: Change in the size or color of a mole or other spot on the skin A new growth on the skin Odd skin sensations, such as persistent itchiness or tenderness Spread of pigmentation outside the border of a mole Skin cancer may develop due to a variety of factors, including genetics and exposure to toxic chemicals, but the clearest connection is that of skin cancer and UV exposure. How your phone can help you spot skin cancer Telemedicine is a growing field, and skin care is not to be left out: Over the last several years, a handful of skin cancer detection apps have popped up, allowing you to analyze your skin with your smartphone and artificial intelligence algorithms. Some send photos to a dermatologist, some provide instant feedback while others offer helpful reminders about self-checking your skin and scheduling a doctor's appointment. Here are a few you can download on iOS and Android. Miiskin uses hi-res digital photography to capture magnified photos of moles on your skin. Miiskin Miiskin Miiskin uses mole mapping to analyze your skin. Dermatologists perform mole maps as part of a clinical full-body skin exam, using digital dermoscopy (magnified digital photography) to catch suspicious lesions they may not catch with their own eyes. Because they're so high-definition, dermoscopy photos provide much more information than normal digital photos. The developers behind Miiskin wanted to offer a version of this technology to consumers, so they built an app that takes magnified photos of large areas of your skin, for example, your entire leg. According to the website, anyone with an iPhone with iOS 11 and newer or a phone running Android 4.4 and newer can use Miiskin. The app stores your photos separate from your smartphone library and allows you to compare moles over time, which is helpful in detecting changes. Find it: iOS | Android MoleScope With a clip-on camera, MoleScope uses the ABCD method to complete a risk assessment of your moles. MoleScope MoleScope uses magnified images to help people determine whether they should see a dermatologist to get their skin checked. A product of MetaOptima (a supplier of clinical dermatology technology) MoleScope is a device that attaches to your smartphone and sends photos to a dermatologist for an online checkup. Though MoleScope itself won't analyze or diagnose your moles, you can use the ABCD guide in the app to keep tabs on any suspicious moles: The app helps you document your moles with photos and sends them to a dermatologist, who can assess them using the ABCD method: Asymmetry: the shape of one half doesn't match the other the shape of one half doesn't match the other Border: edges are bumpy, ragged or blurred edges are bumpy, ragged or blurred Color: uneven shades of brown, black and tan; odd colors such as red or blue uneven shades of brown, black and tan; odd colors such as red or blue Diameter: a change in size greater than 6 mm Unlike Miiskin, you can only take photos of one mole or small areas with a few moles, rather than large areas like your entire chest or back. Find it: iOS | Android SkinVision SkinVision claims to aid early detection of melanoma. The app uses deep learning to analyze photos of your skin and aid in the early detection of skin cancer. The photos are processed through a machine-learning algorithm that filters image layers based on simple, complex, and more abstract functions and patterns through a technology called convolutional neural network (CNN). SkinVision uses it to check small areas of your skin and come back with a high- or low-risk assessment of that area in less than a minute. SkinVision is backed by a scientific board of dermatologists, but Dr. Daniel Friedmann, a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, told CNET that even an app with prominent support of scientists has limitations. "I would not recommend that patients avoid these apps, but I would approach their results with cautious skepticism," Dr. Friedmann said, "and counsel patients that suspicious lesions are best evaluated in-office." Find it: iOS SkinVision uses a machine-learning algorithm to analyze spots on the skin. SkinVision Read more: 5 Facial Products You'll Want This Summer to Protect Your Skin Research is promising, but accuracy isn't quite there Of all the apps discussed here, SkinVision seems to have the most research behind it. A 2014 study on an older version of SkinVision reported 81% accuracy in detecting melanoma, which at the time researchers said was "insufficient to detect melanoma accurately." However, a more recent study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology determined that SkinVision can detect 95% of skin cancer cases. It's encouraging to see the company continue to work on app accuracy, as early detection of skin cancer is the number-one way to achieve successful treatment. In another study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, analyzed four smartphone apps that claim to detect skin cancer. We don't know the exact apps, as they're named only as Application 1, 2, 3 and 4. Three of the apps used algorithms to send immediate feedback about the person's risk of skin cancer, and the fourth app sent the photos to a dermatologist. Unsurprisingly, the researchers found the fourth app to be the most accurate. The other three apps were found to incorrectly categorize a large number of skin lesions, with one missing nearly 30% of melanomas, classifying them as low-risk lesions. A Cochrane review of prior research found that AI-based skin cancer detection has "not yet demonstrated sufficient promise in terms of accuracy, and they are associated with a high likelihood of missing melanomas." To be fair, much of this research took place a few years ago, and the manufacturers may very well have improved their technology since then. More recently, in 2017, a team of researchers at Stanford University announced that their AI does just as well as an in-person dermatologist in detecting skin cancer -- showing that these apps and algorithms do hold promise. Potential benefits of skin cancer detection apps Healthcare professionals have expressed two main arguments related to skin cancer detection apps. The first raises concern that people may rely on apps and consumer devices to assess their risk of skin cancer, which could lead to delayed diagnosis. The second praises these apps for raising awareness among the public and encouraging people to take better care of their skin. Both arguments are valid. In the SkinVision study, for example, the researchers say, "We see the main potential for the smartphone applications in the improvement of the patient-doctor communication by making aware of the need of skin cancer screening and by giving a basis of interaction." Additionally, apps like MoleScope that send images to dermatologists can serve as the first step in receiving a professional exam. All skin cancer biopsies begin with a visual exam, after all. However, you shouldn't use any at-home app or device to replace professional medical care for any condition. Most skin cancer app developers know this and include a disclaimer on their websites that their app is not a replacement for professional healthcare. The importance of annual exams The easiest and most effective way to detect skin cancer is to self-check your skin and go to a dermatologist regularly for a check-up. Experts disagree on what groups of people should get annual exams: Some say you only need a screening if you have suspicious moles or risk factors for melanoma; others say everyone should get an annual skin check. A few factors increase your risk of skin cancer, and if you have any of these, you would benefit from a yearly check-up: Fair skin, light eyes and blonde or red hair Skin that burns or freckles easily A family history of any type of skin cancer History of tanning bed use History of severe sunburns Unusual moles or more than 50 moles on your body For now, even though these apps may be helpful in some ways, your best bet is to seek the professional opinion of a dermatologist or doctor if you notice any suspicious moles or other warning signs of skin cancer. And to wear your sunscreen diligently, with the proper SPF rating, as higher isn't always better.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Vicar from Colchester shocked as stage four cancer 'disappears'
A vicar diagnosed with stage four skin cancer said he was "astonished" after the disease appeared to have left his Reverend Matthew Simpkins, from Colchester, said he had been preparing to die after his diagnosis in there was no sign of cancer on his last five scans, a realisation he told the BBC was "remarkable"."It can come back and I know that, but it's astonishing and I really give thanks for where I am," Mr Simpkins said. He was first diagnosed with acral letiginous melanoma in 2019 and had a toe Simpkins, the vicar of St James in Clacton-on-Sea and St Christopher in Jaywick, later got the all-clear from doctors, before the disease returned two years later. It spread across his body, before Mr Simpkins then contracted aseptic an "extremely rare" reaction to the meningitis treatment meant it started to attack his cancer as well."Halfway through 2024 I had a scan and my jaw hit the floor because the cancer was gone," explained Mr Simpkins, who grew up in Ipswich and Sudbury."It had been on my lungs and on my back and it was gone. I've had five scans since and it's not there."According to Cancer Research UK, 55% of people with stage four BRAF positive melanoma would survive for six -and-a-half years or more. 'Poignant moment' The vicar said his shock revelation followed a year of "preparing people for what was to come next" when his condition worsened."One of the very wise nurses said to me 'You're lucky'," he added. "It's remarkable." Mr Simpkins believed he was the first person to be discharged from St Helena Hospice's home-care team, father-of-two said: "I'm so grateful I had the chance to be the first person looked after by this nurse to thank her in person."I realised as I did it, it was quite a poignant moment."Having already released a song made from the sounds of an MRI scanning machine, the keen musician said hallucinations he had during meningitis treatment inspired his latest released the 11-track album Headwater on 6 June."My cancer helped me go back to music and tell people a little of the human experience of illness and seemingly approaching death," Mr Simpkins added. Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Major skin cancer warning slapped on popular sunscreen: 'It doesn't do what it says', study finds
A major report has warned that a popular sunscreen does not work, potentially leaving consumers at risk of skin cancer. Consumer champion Which? safety tested 15 sun creams from Boots, Garnier and Nivea, as well as own-brand alternatives, and saw surprising results. While a £2.99 supermarket-own sun protectant passed the stringent testing process, a £28 branded favourite failed to reach industry standards. As a result, the consumer body warned, users may not be adequately protected from the sun's UV rays, putting them at risk of deadly cancer. Ultrasun Family SPF30, sold by some of the biggest UK high street retailers and costing £28, markets itself as being 'perfect for the whole family' and 'especially suitable for children with sensitive skin'. But the cream failed two separate tests that measured both its sun protection factor—or SPF—and ultraviolet (UV) protection. To trial the creams, scientists applied a small amount on volunteers' backs, before shining a lamp on the patch to simulate the sun's rays. The time it takes for the skin to become red was then measured. Ultrasun Family SPF30 (left), sold by some of the biggest UK high street retailers, markets itself as being 'perfect for the whole family' and 'especially suitable for children with sensitive skin'. Another sunscreen that made it onto the Don't Buy list was Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30 - £3.75 per bottle In another test, scientists took a sample of the cream and spread it onto a glass plate to measure the absorption of UV radiation directly. To pass, the sunscreen needed to provide at least one third of the claimed SPF. SPF is measurement of the length of time you can be in the sun before you get burnt. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will take 30 times longer to damage your skin compared to no protection at all. If a product failed to demonstrate the level of SPF it claimed to have on its first test, Which? repeated the test. If it passed the second time around, a third test was done. Any product that failed either test twice overall, was labelled a 'Don't Buy' by Which?. Natalie Hitchins, Which?'s head of home products and services, warned shoppers to look out for these products, as they are not guaranteed to protect as expected. 'It's really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging,' she said. 'Our results prove that there's no need to splash out to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun as we've found other cheap and reliable options.' A spokesperson from Ultrasun told Which? that the brand was fully confident in its testing protocols and that these not only met, but surpass industry standards. Another sunscreen that made it on to this year's Don't Buy list was Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30, priced £3.75 per bottle. Morrisons says it's looking closely at the data and working with its supplier to carry out additional independent testing. Sunscreens that did pass Which?'s test included Aldi's Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, which costs just £2.99. At just £1.50 per 100ml, it also earned a Which? Great Value badge. Lidl's Cien Sun Spray 30SPF High (£3.79) Boot's Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30 (£5.50) Nivea's Sun Protect and Moisture Lotion SPF30 (£7.90) and Sainsbury's Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30 (£5.50) all also passed the safety tests. The damning report comes days after Kelsey Parker, 34, came under fire for admitting she doesn't put sunscreen on her children. The podcast host, who is currently expecting her third child with tree surgeon Will Lindsay, claimed daughter Aurelia, five, and son Bodhi, four, 'don't burn' and that it 'causes skin cancer'. The children's father, The Wanted star Tom Parker, tragically died from brain cancer in 2022. Speaking in the latest episode of her Mum's The Word! podcast about 'the secret world of parenting', Ms Parker confessed that she opts to keep her children out of the sun rather than using SPF to protect them. She added that she makes 'organic' sunscreen out of beeswax for UV protection instead. 'It's bad for you–that sunscreen,' she said. 'My kids do not wear sun cream.' 'The only thing that I may put on them is an organic sun cream. 'My kids, we went on holiday, I never put sun cream on them and they do not burn. 'I never used to wear sun cream, sun cream causes skin cancer'. Since making the controversial remarks, the expectant mother has been blasted by listeners, who have accused her of spreading 'dangerous misinformation. One listener wrote on social media: 'This is really dangerous spreading this information. Please research.' 'This is insane and so unsafe. It's so damaging, burning doesn't indicate sun damage, it can literally kill them. Wow,' a second said. A third slammed the 'dangerous advice', while a fourth called the dismissal of conventional sun cream 'irresponsible'. Experts say there is no evidence that sunscreen causes cancer in humans. Dr Bav Shergill a consultant dermatologist at the Queen Victoria Hospital, London and spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists, previously told MailOnline: 'Sunscreens are a safe and effective way to protect your skin from burning and other forms of sun damage. 'Millions of people have used sunscreen over many decades so we can be confident about their safety profile.' Studies have long shown sun creams can contain both mineral and chemical UV filters. Mineral UV filters mainly remain on the skin's surface and form a physical barrier to deflect UV rays before they penetrate your skin. Chemical UV filters, meanwhile, absorb UV light and convert it into heat energy. As well as being used in sun creams, they may be added to other personal care products, such as moisturisers. Some research on animals, mainly mice, has indicated many commonly used chemical UV filters in high quantities could be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) — chemicals that interfere with hormones — such as mimicking natural oestrogen found in our bodies. Lifetime exposure to oestrogen is an established risk factor for cancers, including breast. But no research on humans has backed this up. Going without sunscreen, meanwhile, has been shown to directly raise the risk of developing skin cancer. Around 15,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with melanoma each year—the UK's fifth most common cancer—with the incidence rate rising faster than any other common cancer. A recent study from Cancer Research UK warned found that an alarming 87 per cent of melanoma cases, the equivalent of 17,100 in the UK each year, are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, either directly from the sun or sun beds—meaning they could be avoided. This is because increased UV exposure can damage the DNA in skin cells, triggering mutations that become cancerous. From here, the cancer can spread to the blood vessels beneath the skin, getting into the bloodstream and spreading throughout the body. Last year, rates of the cancer reached a record high in the UK, with new diagnoses increasing by almost a third in just a decade, according to the charity. According to the NHS website, people should apply suncream to avoid burning and use 'at least factor 30'. 'Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy,' the site reads. The health service also recommends avoiding the sun when it is at its strongest, between the hours of 11am and 3pm from March to November, and to cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nebraska lawmaker announces skin cancer diagnosis, pledges to seek reelection in 2026
State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, chair of the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, presides over a legislative hearing. Feb. 11, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A Nebraska state senator announced this week that he has faced a serious form of skin cancer for the past two years but remains committed to finishing his term and seeking reelection in 2026. State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, in a Wednesday post, announced to supporters that he was diagnosed the first week of January 2023 with metastatic melanoma, which can spread to other parts of the body. Jacobson said the cancer has spread to his right lung, and he's continued a range of treatments over the past two years. Jacobson said he's faced challenges, including swelling and weakness in his legs and muscles, leading to occasional falls. The most recent led to a brief hospitalization this week. 'Despite these setbacks, I want to assure you that I am firmly on the path to recovery,' Jacobson wrote. 'While my physical presence in the district may be limited at times during this healing process, please know that my commitment to serving our community remains unwavering.' He continued: 'My resolve to fight for the people of our district has never been stronger.' Former Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed Jacobson to the Legislature in February 2022. Jacobson won a four-year term that November and can run for one more term under current limits. Legislative District 42 consists of Lincoln, Hooker, Thomas, McPherson and part of Perkins Counties. Jacobson is one of multiple senators who have faced public cancer diagnoses in recent years, including State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln and former State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska. Jacobson announced his 2026 reelection campaign one week ago, when he pointed to his 2022 promise to put his district 'over politics' and to get results. He currently chairs the Legislature's Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee. The senator said he has received 'excellent' care from North Platte's Great Plains Health and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He and his wife, Julie, thanked his care team. Jacobson said he and his wife remain 'cautiously optimistic as we face this journey together.' 'The continued prayers, kind words and support from constituents and colleagues mean the world to us,' Jacobson wrote, 'and we are deeply grateful.' No one else has announced intentions to seek Jacobson's seat in 2026. The top two vote-getters of the nonpartisan legislative primary in May 2026 would advance to the November 2026 general election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
