Second cancer: Skin cancer

What is skin cancer as a second form of cancer?

This page belongs to Second form of cancer. We recommend reading that information first.

The skin protects you against bacteria, viruses, and toxic substances and allows you to feel, such as hot and cold. The skin consists of skin cells, such as basal cells, melanocytes, and squamous cells. Sometimes skin cells begin to divide uncontrollably and form a tumor. This is called skin cancer.

Forms of skin cancer are:

• Basal cell carcinoma

• Squamous cell carcinoma

• Melanoma

You can do a number of things to reduce the risk of skin cancer, such as not spending too much or too long in the sun, especially not in the middle of the day, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with a high protection factor (>30).

Do I have an increased risk of skin cancer?

Everyone, including people who have not had cancer, can develop skin cancer. However, some cancer treatments can increase the risk.

The following treatments can increase the risk of skin cancer:

• Radiation: the risk of skin cancer is increased in the irradiated part of the body

• Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (from a donor) with graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in the skin

You can see in your treatment summary whether you have received these treatments. If you do not have a summary, you can contact the LATER clinic or the hospital where you were treated. Skin cancer does not always have to be caused by treatment. Other causes include (excessive) sun exposure, fair skin, aging, and hereditary predisposition.

What are the symptoms and signs of skin cancer?

Certain symptoms and signs may indicate skin cancer. Even if you do not have these symptoms at the moment, it is important to recognize them in case you ever develop them.

The following symptoms and signs may indicate basal cell carcinoma:

• A translucent, shiny bump

• A small sore that does not heal or keeps recurring

• A red, scaly spot that resembles eczema

• A spot with brown or black patches

The following symptoms and signs may indicate squamous cell carcinoma:

• A pale pink, rough bump that feels firm, grows slowly, and sometimes hurts

• A sore that grows slowly larger

The following symptoms and signs may indicate a melanoma:

• A new striking light brown, dark brown, black, or red spot

• A mole that changes (grows, develops new colors, becomes darker, becomes thicker, or changes shape)

• A mole that hurts or bleeds

• A mole that is different from other moles

You can recognize a melanoma by the following characteristics:

• The spot is asymmetrical: the halves are not mirror images of each other

• The spot has an irregular or vague border

• The spot has two or more colors

• The spot has a diameter larger than 5 mm

• The spot changes (grows, changes shape, itches, or bleeds)

Often these symptoms have a different cause. However, rapid diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer are very important. Therefore, contact your general practitioner immediately if you recognize any symptoms or signs.

I have an increased risk of skin cancer. What tests are necessary and when?

If you have an increased risk of skin cancer, the recommendation is to:

• Check your skin yourself every 6 months for new spots or changing moles. If in doubt: show the spot to your general practitioner or LATER physician

• Tell the LATER clinic at least every 2 years whether skin cancer occurs more frequently in your family

• Have your skin examined at least every 2 years

What happens if I (might) have skin cancer?

If you might have skin cancer, your general practitioner or LATER physician will refer you to a:

• Dermatologist (physician specialized in the skin)

The dermatologist will conduct further tests and discuss treatment options with you if necessary.

What else can I do?

Living with an (increased risk of) skin cancer can be difficult. Talking with friends and family can help. Contact with people in a similar situation can also provide support, for example through a patient association such as VOX, part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association.

Above all, take good care of yourself. You can reduce the risk of skin cancer by being sensible about sun exposure: do not stay in the sun too long, especially not in the middle of the day, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with a high protection factor (>30). Also take care of your mental health. Small changes can already have a positive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.

It is important that you know you have an increased risk of skin cancer and that you recognize the symptoms and signs. If you have questions or are concerned, contact your general practitioner or LATER physician.

Where can I find more information?

This LATER website also contains information about:

• Healthy lifestyle

• Mental health

• Second form of cancer

In the PanCare Plain Language Summaries you will find links to reliable information in English.

You can search for information about skin cancer online, but keep in mind that it is not always up-to-date and accurate.

Disclaimer

This information is based on the plain language summary of the guideline below, created by the PanCare Plain Information Group, and has been adapted to the Dutch LATER guideline where necessary. If you experience symptoms and signs, do not rely solely on this information, but consult your general practitioner, LATER physician, or specialist.

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