Early detection and prevention
In skin cancer prevention and surgery, a distinction is made between the more common white skin cancer and the less common but more dangerous black skin cancer (melanoma). Regular dermatological and self-checks as well as optimal skin cancer prevention and sun protection are important for the prevention and early detection of skin cancer.
White skin cancer is the result of long-term exposure to the sun. It occurs most frequently on the so-called sun terraces, usually on the face (bridge of the nose, forehead, edges of the ears, lower lip), forearms and back of the hands. The two most common forms of white skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and spinocellular carcinoma (spiny cell cancer).
White skin cancer. Frequently affected areas of the body: Forehead region, bridge of the nose, ears and lips.
Black skin cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in Switzerland. It can also occur in younger people. A quarter of people suffering from melanoma are younger than 50 at the time of diagnosis.
The most important risk factors are many moles (>100), light skin type, frequent sunburns and a family history of melanoma.
Melanoma develops from the pigment cells of the skin. If a mole is clearly different from the others in shape and color, it should be shown to a dermatologist. To make a diagnosis, a skin sample must be taken or the conspicuous skin change must be surgically removed.
Early detection and treatment of black skin cancer is very important, as it can metastasize and therefore become life-threatening. Early forms of melanoma can usually be cured.