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 said: “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.
- Picture: Bournemouth University.