There are two main types of skin cancer: 1/ Melanomas, which develop from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (skin's natural pigment). This is the least common kind of skin cancer, but the most likely to result in metastases. 2/ Carcinoma, which develop from keratinocytes, the cells that make up the epidermis. They can be divided into 2 types: > Squamous cell carcinoma, which can metastasize. > Basal cell carcinoma, the number one cancer in humans in terms of frequency but also the most “benign”, as it does not metastasize

Over 2 million skin cancers are diagnosed every year in the world. This figure, which is constantly rising, is set to double between 2000 and 2015 in countries where the majority of the population has white skin, according to a report by the United Nations. It is a worrying statistic, which can be explained by the increasing popularity of outdoor activities and the practice of “sunbathing” and exposure to artificial UV light… 7500 new cases of melanoma are identified each year in France alone

This issue depends on the type of cancer. Squamous carcinoma is more common in older people. Basal cell carcinoma occurs earlier than Squamous carcinoma, but becomes more common with age. Melanomas can arise at any age. They are very rare in children, and risk increases with age. In addition, an American study has shown that 80% of skin sun damage occurs before the age of 18, which reflects the casual attitude that young people have in the sun. It is crucial that parents, who are becoming ever more careful with very small children, teach young people to behave responsibly in the sun.

Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, which is why it is vital to examine the entire surface of the skin. Nonetheless, they are most commonly found on the torso in men and on the legs in women. Carcinomas are mostly found on areas of skin that receive a lot of sun exposure: the face, chest and the back of the hands.

Melanomas most often start as an irregularly-shaped dark brown or black mark on the surface of the skin. This can then develop deeper, reaching the dermis if not diagnosed early enough.

You can examine yourself alone with the help of a hand mirror or standing mirror. For areas that are harder to see, like the back and scalp, have a family member or friend help you.

Melanomas are very rare in children. Nonetheless, certain moles that are present at birth (“congenital nevi”) should be examined by a dermatologist and monitored. Most moles begin to appear in childhood. They increase in size and number during puberty.

In the majority of cases, treatment is surgical. Small carcinomas are removed (exeresis), in general, in the dermatologist's clinic. Certain superficial carcinomas in their early stages can benefit from other treatments (cryotherapy, local topical treatments). Carcinomas identified in their later stages, which have become larger in volume, may require more complex surgical interventions. Melanomas systematically necessitate surgical treatment

Surgical exeresis results in a scar whose size is determined by the size of the lesion: in case of late detection, lesions are bigger and cause scars which can be disabling or unsightly. For this reason, it is essential to encourage early detection by regularly consulting a dermatologist and monitoring the skin in between consultations. Today, progress in surgical techniques means that scars are very discreet or almost invisible.

Melanoma occurrence within a family is a risk factor that necessitates a higher degree of monitoring of family members. Consultation with a dermatologist is highly recommended.

Skin can be damaged by the sun's rays. Ultraviolet rays cause sunburn, drying the skin and prematurely aging it. In the long term, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancers such as melanoma.

UVA make up over 90% of the sun's rays. They have a longer wavelength than UVB, allowing them to reach deeper within the skin. They thus contribute to skin aging and play a major role in the development of skin cancers. UVB rays do not penetrate skin so deeply: they cause sunburn and also play a very significant role in the development of skin cancers. Therefore both types of ultraviolet rays are dangerous, but they affect different levels of skin.

No, directions remain the same. A tan is the skin's self-defence mechanism against the sun, but its ability to protect the skin is weak compared with that of a suncare product.

No. Applying a sun protection product should not lead you to spend more time in the sun. It is particularly important to avoid exposure when the sun is at its strongest and, at these times, you should opt for protective clothing. Protection should, however, be used on uncovered areas of skin. Ensure you apply sufficient quantities of product, and re-apply every 2 hours to ensure you are effectively protected.

Using a high sun protection factor allows you to tan gradually while limiting the skin damage associated with sun exposure.

If you have freckled or very fair skin, you will not tan: you will simply burn. It is thus strongly recommended that you protect yourself using a product with a high protection factor and avoid unnecessary sun exposure.

No, they do not under any circumstances replace cutaneous sun protection. However, dietary supplements are not damaging and can reinforce cell defence mechanisms against the sun.

No it acts on the colour of the skin but does not protect it.

No, tanning is a defence mechanism against the sun. Sunbeds emit UVA in more intense doses than the sun: UVA rays are insidious because painless. They produce a superficial suntan and favour the production of free radicals, which are responsible for cutaneous aging and cell system deterioration. Sunbeds therefore accelerate premature aging of the skin and increase the risk of developing a skin cancer.