Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal skin cells. It happens when undamaged skin cells undergo a genetic mutation—most often triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunshine or tanning beds—causing them to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.
Melanoma
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Melanoma usually affects the melanin cells in your skin. It is also known as malignant melanoma. It is one of the most common skin cancers and the number of people diagnosed is increasing rapidly each year in Ireland and around the world.
Over 1,197 people are diagnosed with this disease on average each year. In Ireland, more women are diagnosed with melanoma but more men die from it.
Risks and Causes of Melanoma
- Ultraviolet light: UV light comes from the sun. Overexposure to sunlight can cause patches of rough, dry skin called solar keratoses, which increases your risk of melanoma by up to 4 times.
- Moles: The more moles you have on your body, the higher your risk of melanoma. You should be very careful about exposing yourself to the sun and should keep an eye on all your moles.
- Rare birthmarks: A very rare type, called a congenital giant melanocytic naevus, can develop into a melanoma. They are very common on the buttocks.
- Skin colour and freckling: People who are very fair-skinned, especially those with fair or red hair; blue, green, or grey eyes and those with lots of freckles are more at risk of developing melanoma.
- Sunburn: People who have had sunburn are twice as likely to get melanoma as those who have not. The risk is higher if you have had sunburn several times in your life.
- Where you were born: Fair-skinned people born in a hot country, for example Australia, have a higher risk than people who went to live in a hot country as a teenager or people with similar skin colouring who live in cooler climates.
- Sun exposure now and then: People who are exposed to strong sunlight now and then, like when holidaying in a hot country, are more at risk of melanoma than people who are continuously exposed to sunlight.
- Sunbeds: Using a sunbed, even just once, increases your risk of melanoma by 20%. Using a sunbed before the age of 35 increases your risk by almost 60%. Never, ever use sunbeds.
What You Can Do
Get to know the normal appearance of your skin and any moles you may have. Then, learn your ABCDE’s and check your skin regularly—about once a month. Because melanoma affects both men and women, everyone needs to become aware of their own skin and check themselves.
A – Asymmetry: If you draw a line through a melanoma, the two sides will not match.
B – Border: The border of an early melanoma tends to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
C – Colour: Most healthy moles are all one colour. A mole with a number of different shades of brown, black, or tan is a warning sign. Melanomas may also be blue, red, or some other colour.
D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger in size than the rubber at the top of a pencil (¼ inch or 6mm).
E – Evolving: Any change—in shape, colour, size, elevation (height), or any other trait, or a new symptom like bleeding, itching, or crusting is a warning sign.
What Melanoma Looks Like
The pictures below are just a guide. If you are worried about any moles or skin changes, it is important to see your GP to get them checked.
 | Dark moleThis photo shows a very dark mole. Darkening is one possible sign that a mole is becoming cancerous and could be a melanoma. This mole is about a centimetre across. |
Inflamed moleThis photo shows a mole that has an area of inflammation around it. The inflamed area is about 7 millimetres at its widest but you can see that the original mole is much smaller than that. Inflammation is another sign that a mole may be developing into a melanoma and needs to be checked out by a doctor. |  |
 | Melanoma with irregular borderThis photo shows the irregular outline of a melanoma. Normal moles are usually much rounder, with smooth borders. |
Melanoma with irregular shape and colourBelow is a very small melanoma. It is only about 4 or 5 millimetres across. But you can see clearly that it is not the same colour throughout. It also has an irregular shape. Irregular colour and shape are signs that should be checked by a doctor. |  |
 | Spreading melanomaThe picture shows clearly a melanoma that is spreading out from a normal mole. If you have a mole that has changed in this way, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. |
All pictures are courtesy of Cancer Research UK.
Diagnosing Melanoma
If you have a suspicious-looking mole, go to your GP. If your GP thinks the mole may be becoming cancerous, you will need to have it removed and looked at under a microscope. This is called an excision biopsy. This is usually done by a specialist skin doctor called a dermatologist.
The dermatologist may use a tool called a dermatoscope to closely examine the abnormal area on your skin. If the doctor decides that you need to have the mole removed, you will be administered a local anesthetic. The doctor then cuts out the whole mole and 2 mm of tissue all around. The tissue is sent to the laboratory for testing. You will need some stitches and the doctor or nurse will tell you how to look after your small wound. Follow-up will be arranged. If the mole does not contain any cancerous cells, you will not need any more treatment. If the mole contains any cancerous cells, you may need to have more tests.
If your mole contained cancerous or precancerous cells, a pathologist will carefully check the biopsy tissue in the laboratory. Your doctor will ask you to go back into hospital for an operation to remove more tissue from around the area of the melanoma. This operation is called a wide local excision.
Treatment for Melanoma
The main treatment for early and locally advanced melanoma is surgery. Advanced melanoma can also be treated with surgery, though treatment will depend on the type and size of the melanoma, where it is found, and the organs it affects. Treatments may also include topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and biological therapies.
If you have already been diagnosed with melanoma, you may find it helpful to connect with people who are going through something similar. The Melanoma Support Ireland Facebook group offers support and shares experiences. You can find the group by clicking on the button below.
Remember: Many skin changes may be harmless, but if you notice a new or changing mole, visit your GP without delay. It is never too late to start protecting your skin. Follow the SunSmart code. Look for the UVA logo on your sunscreen bottle. Check your skin using the ABCDE’s. Early detection saves lives.
Talking
Melanoma
Over the next eight episodes, our hosts, and guest-host Dermatology Nurse Specialist Selene Daly, will be talking to some great guests like Dr. Patrick Ormond and Dr Osama Salib about the realities of a skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as hearing from patients that are living with and beyond melanoma.
We will also hear about some of the supports in place in Ireland and how to cope with a melanoma diagnosis and possible side effects with psycho-oncologist Yvonne O’Meara. We will even have an exclusive interview with Dr Triona McCarthy from the NCCP to discuss how we can all do our part to help reduce our risk of melanoma in the future.
With thanks to our sponsor…
Season 1
Talking Melanoma
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect from this series of The Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer!
Season 1
Episode 1: An Introduction to Melanoma with Dermatology Nurse Specialist Selene Daly
On this episode of “The Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer” podcast, our hosts Director of Nursing Services Helen Forristal, Assistant Director of Nursing Bernie Carter and Dermatology Nurse Specialist Selene Daly discuss what melanoma is, the role of a dermatology nurse, how we can all reduce our risk of skin cancer while also sharing some bad sun habits they themselves used to indulge in.
Season 1
Episode 2: Melanoma Diagnosis the First Steps with Consultant Dermatologist Dr Patrick Ormond
On this episode of the Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer podcast, we are chatting to Consultant Dermatologist Dr Patrick Ormond about all things skin. Discussing the signs you should be looking out for on your skin, Breslow depth, the dangers of sunbeds and the process your team goes through to diagnose skin cancer and melanoma. Listen to our full conversation now, and like, follow and subscribe for more.
Season 1
Episode 3: The treatment plan with Dr. Osama Salib and Prof. Derek Power
On this episode of the Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer Podcast, we will be #TalkingMelanoma treatment with Radio-oncologist Dr Osama Salib and Consultant Oncologist Prof Derek Power.
From radiation treatment and immunotherapy to pain management and multidisciplinary teams, in this episode, we will be exploring the treatment options available for those at every stage of a melanoma journey, and the realities of Stage 4 maintenance and care.
Season 1
Episode 4: The journey from diagnosis to follow up care with melanoma survivor Evelyn O’Neill
On this episode of the Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer Podcast, our hosts Helen and Bernie chat to melanoma survivor Evelyn O’Neill about what her experience was like being diagnosed and treated for melanoma during a global pandemic.
From spotting a dark mole, to going in for surgery without the support of her family and friends, Evelyn’s story is unique as it explores the emotional impact a melanoma diagnosis can have on those affected by the disease. Listen to our conversation today and learn what Evelyn wished she had known about melanoma before she was diagnosed.
Season 1
Episode 5: Melanoma Myth Busting With Dermatology Nurse Specialist Selene Daly
On this episode of the Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer Podcast, our hosts Helen, Bernie and Selene debunk some well known “SunSmart facts” to help us all get to know the truth about protecting our skin. Over the course of this episode, our hosts share some of the bad sun habits they themselves used to believe and correct some misinformation about sunscreen, sunbeds and much more to make sure we all know how to look after our skin from now on. This is an episode you won’t want to miss and is a step by step guide of what NOT to do this summer season.
Season 1
Episode 6: Living Well With Melanoma, a conversation with Kay Curtin and Shirley McEntee
On the this week’s episode of the Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer Podcast, Helen and Bernie have the opportunity to speak to Kay Curtin and Shirley McEntee about living life with metastatic melanoma. From original diagnoses, to progress in the treatment of melanoma over the years and how these incredible women have learned to adapt to their current treatment plans, their journeys are truly inspiring. Listen to their stories and conversations today and find out how Kay and Shirley are now living well with advanced-stage melanoma.
Season 1
Episode 7: Talking Melanoma and supportive services with Yvonne OMeara and Stacey Devanney
This week on the Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer Podcast, we are chatting to Systemic Psychotherapist and Psycho-social Oncologist Yvonne O’Meara and Senior Social Medical Worker Stacey Devanney about the emotional and financial implications of a melanoma cancer journey. From practical tips on how to manage financially during treatment and the resources available to those on active treatment, to advice and resources on how to manage your emotions and mental health during diagnosis, treatment and late stage palliative care. Tune in to the conversation today and learn about the steps you can take to help support your loved ones that are on a melanoma journey.
Season 1
Episode 8: Melanoma Prevention with Dr. Caitriona McCarthy
For the final episode of our #TalkingMelanoma series, hosts Bernie and Helen chat to Dr Triona McCarthy about the NCCP’s skin cancer prevention programme, the SunSmart code and the simple steps we can all take to reduce our risk of developing skin cancer in the future. We also explore the importance of looking after younger skin and how we can all do our part to prevent skin cancer in future generations. This episode is full of helpful tips and information and is definitely one to listen to before you head out for your daily stroll.
