Bournemouth researchers to develop project to help public detect skin cancer sooner
More people may be able to recognise the early signs of skin cancer as part of a new project being developed by experts at Bournemouth University and funded by Cancer Research UK.
With the charity predicting a record high of around 20,800 cases of melanoma this year in the UK* - the most serious form of skin cancer – the grant of £77,000 will support a scheme to improve early detection, particularly among some groups who have a high risk of developing the disease and some under-represented groups.
The one-year research project aims to quickly develop video resources that support adults who may be less aware of what signs and symptoms of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer could look like on their body.
The study will look to develop evidence and theory-informed videos aimed at giving tips and tools to recognise the early warning signs of skin cancer and what to do if suspicious signs are spotted.
Professor Steven Ersser, Professor of Nursing and Dermatology Care from the Centre of Wellbeing and Long-Term Health at Bournemouth University will be leading the study. He said, “More people are getting skin cancer but people are likely to live longer with better prognosis if cancer is diagnosed early. However, many are unsure how to spot possible signs and when to present to a doctor.”
The study will draw on the expertise of a range of disciplines including dermatology, behavioural science, participatory research approaches, health communications and media, as well as the lived experience of the public, to address the weakness with the existing early detection resources and develop a series of tools specifically targeting groups including older men.
In the UK, melanoma rates in men have almost tripled** demonstrating the need for targeted interventions. The study will also develop resources for Afro-Caribbean people and those from the Indian subcontinent, where lower awareness of signs and symptoms may lead to later diagnosis.
Professor Ersser continued, “If we detect skin cancer early, we are much more likely to improve a patient’s prognosis. The grant is designed to bring together and develop new teams to tackle cancer early detection issues from a fresh perspective. The issue is very topical with skin cancer incidence rising.”
Recent analysis by Cancer Research UK reveals melanoma skin cancer rates have increased by almost a third over the past decade.***
Anyone can get sunburnt or develop skin cancer, but those at higher risk include people with lighter skin tones and naturally light-coloured hair or eyes, as well as people with lots of moles and freckles, or a family history of skin cancer.
And although people with brown or black skin are less likely to develop melanoma, the signs look different in these groups. For example, mark and moles may more likely appear on the palms of hands, the soles of feet or under the nails.
That’s why when it comes to signs and symptoms of the disease, it’s so important for everyone, whatever their skin tone, to know what to look out for. It’s not just changes to a mole or freckle that matter, it could be a sore that doesn’t heal, a lump, an ulcer, or a patch of skin that’s changed colour. Any unusual changes to an area of people’s skin should be seen by a doctor.****
Cancer Research UK recommend the following when the sun is strong:
1. Seek Shade - Especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK. Take a break under trees, umbrellas, and canopies, or go indoors.
2. Cover Up – With clothes that cover your shoulders, a wide-brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses. The more skin that’s covered by your clothing, the better the protection.
3. Apply Sunscreen Regularly – With at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. Make sure to reapply it regularly and generously, especially after swimming, sweating, or towelling.
The latest grant was awarded by Cancer Research UK’s Early Detection & Diagnosis Research Committee which recognised the Bournemouth University team’s ambition to utilise skills and techniques in innovative ways to accelerate research.
The project’s interdisciplinary team is led by Professor Steven Ersser, working alongside BU colleagues Dr Linda Agyemang, Professor Anna Feigenbaum, Professor Mel Hughes, Dr Kate Jupp and Dr Sarah Thomas. The project also involves close collaboration with other team members including Professor Judith Dyson of Birmingham City University, Dr Caroline Morgan, dermatologist from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and two members of the public, Mr Sead Masic and Ms Anna Smith. The research will also engage with Wessex Cancer Alliance. The team are also supported by Research Fellow Abier Hamidi.
** Calculated by the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK, July 2024 . Data is based on UK cancer registry data for 1993-2019, ICD-10 C43.
***Based on data on melanoma skin cancer (ICD10 C43) in UK persons 2017-2019 versus 2007-2009. Age-standardised incidence rate in all ages combined increased by 31%, from 21 to 28 per 100,000.
