The most common cancer. The most preventable cancer.Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, but it's also one of the most preventable. When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable, with cure rates exceeding 98%. The key is knowing how to protect yourself, recognising warning signs, and understanding that everyone is at risk, regardless of skin tone.
Bob Marley's Story: A Cautionary Tale
Reggae legend Bob Marley died in 1981 at age 36 from melanoma that started as a dark spot under his big toenail in 1977.
When Marley first saw a doctor, the spot was dismissed as a football injury. By the time it was correctly diagnosed as melanoma, precious time had been lost. Despite treatment, the cancer spread to his brain, lungs, and stomach. Marley died on a plane attempting to return to Jamaica, he never made it home.
What Bob Marley's story teaches us:
Melanoma can appear in unexpected places on darker skin, often in areas that receive little to no sun exposure:
- Under fingernails and toenails
- On the palms of hands
- On the soles of feet
- Inside the mouth or on the tongue
- In mucous membranes
Early detection saves lives—for all skin tones. If Marley's first doctor had considered melanoma as a possibility, earlier treatment might have saved his life. When melanoma is caught early, it's highly curable. When caught late, it can be deadly.
Never dismiss concerning changes. If something on your skin looks unusual, changes, or doesn't heal, see a doctor. Don't let myths about skin tone delay potentially life-saving diagnosis.
HOW TO CONDUCT A MONTHLY SKIN SELF-EXAM
Early detection saves lives. Monthly self-exams help you become familiar with your skin so you can notice changes quickly.
What You Need
- A full-length mirror
- A hand mirror
- Good lighting
- A chair or stool
- A partner (optional but helpful for hard-to-see areas)
When to Do It
Monthly, choose the same day each month (e.g., the first Sunday) to make it a habit
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Face and scalp Examine your face, ears, neck, chest, and belly. Part your hair or use a blow dryer to check your scalp. Ask a partner to check areas you can't see, or use a hand mirror.
2. Arms and hands Raise your arms, looking at the fronts, backs, and sides. Check between your fingers, under fingernails, and on your palms.
3. Underarms and sides Raise your arms and check your underarms and both sides of your torso.
4. Back and buttocks Use a hand mirror to check the back of your neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, buttocks, and the backs of your legs.
5. Legs and feet Sit down and check the fronts, backs, and sides of your legs. Check your feet thoroughly—tops, soles, between toes, toenails, and under toenails.
6. Genitals Use a hand mirror to check your genital area.
What to Look For
- New spots that look different from your other moles
- Existing spots that have changed in size, shape, colour, or texture
- Sores that don't heal within 2-3 weeks
- Spots that itch, bleed, or crust
- Shiny, pearly, or translucent bumps
- Rough, scaly patches
For people with darker skin, pay extra attention to:
- Palms of hands
- Soles of feet
- Under and around fingernails and toenails
- Inside the mouth
- Areas of previous injury or scarring
What to Do If You Find Something Concerning
Don't panic, but don't wait.
- Take a photo for reference
- Note where it is on your body
- Make an appointment with your doctor
- Mention how long it's been there and whether it's changing
- Ask for a referral to a dermatologist if needed
Remember: Most skin changes are not cancer, but only a doctor can tell for certain. Early evaluation is always better than waiting.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN: THE FIVE SUNSMART STEPS
Prevention is the most powerful tool against skin cancer. Follow these five simple steps every day:
1. SLIP on sun-protective clothing
Wear long sleeves, long trousers, or UV-protective clothing when possible. Dark or bright colours offer more protection than pastels.
2. SLOP on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
Apply generously 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Don't forget ears, neck, hands, and feet.
3. SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat
Choose a hat with at least a 7.5cm brim all around. Baseball caps don't protect your ears or neck.
4. SEEK shade, especially between 10am and 4pm
UV radiation is strongest during midday hours. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when possible.
5. SLIDE on UV-protective sunglasses
Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap-around styles offer the best protection.
Check Bermuda's UV Index daily: View today's reading
Learn more about our SunSmart Programme
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
See a doctor promptly if you notice:
- A new spot on your skin that looks different from your other moles
- An existing mole that has changed in size, shape, colour, or texture
- A sore that doesn't heal within 2-3 weeks
- A spot that itches, bleeds, crusts, or becomes painful
- A dark streak under a fingernail or toenail
- Any skin change that concerns you
Don't wait. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Most skin cancers are highly curable when caught early.
For people with darker skin: If you have any unusual spots on your palms, soles, under nails, or inside your mouth, especially if they're changing or not healing—see a doctor right away. These are common locations for melanoma in darker skin tones.
LEARN MORE: FREE PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE
Want to learn more about skin cancer prevention and early detection? We offer free presentations for schools, workplaces, community organisations, and groups.
Our presentations cover:
- Understanding UV radiation and skin cancer risk
- Practical sun protection strategies
- Warning signs and self-examination techniques
- Special considerations for darker skin
- When to see a doctor
Book a Free Presentation
Questions? Call 441-236-1001 or email sunsmart@chc.bm
