What is melanoma and what are the first signs of skin cancer?

Scientists at the Edith Cowan University in Australia have developed a potentially groundbreaking blood test designed to help healthcare professionals detect the first signs of melanoma.

Their research was published in the bio-medical journal Oncotarget earlier this week, could prove invaluable to thousands of people diagnosed with skin cancer each year.

In 2015, there were 15,906 new cases of melanoma skin cancer in the UK, as described by Cancer Research UK.

So what exactly is melanoma and what are the first signs of skin cancer?

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of melanoma. skin cancer, which develops from cells called melanocytes.

Melanocytes are skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that controls the color of your skin

Melanin protects your skin from UV rays, which is why people with skin lighter who have less melanin are more susceptible to sunburn.

While melanoma is generally considered to be a skin cancer, it can also occur elsewhere on the body

Cutaneous melanoma is melanoma of the skin, as the Foundation for Research explains on melanoma

occurs on the body's mucous membranes such as the nasal pbadage or throat, while ocular melanoma is a rare form of the disease that occurs in the eye.

What are the causes?

The majority of cases of skin cancer

Too much time spent in the sun without adequate protection may increase the risk of melanoma.

The use of tanning beds has also been badociated with the development of skin cancer because they can emit UV rays stronger than the sun

In February, a 20-year-old model from Manchester, Ella Ravenscroft, wrote a powerful message on Facebook to warn people of the use of sun loungers.

Ms. Ravenscroft had to undergo several surgeries.

"Girls / Boys, that's why it's really important not to use tanning beds, I had two tiny moles on my belly that grew up because of the use tanning beds, "she writes. I want people to know how dangerous they are because you do not think that a mole can cause cancer. "

What are the signs?

One of the most well-known signs of melanoma notice a new mole on your body or if you have spotted that an old mole has changed color, shape or size.

The NHS suggests talking to a doctor as soon as possible if you become aware of any change in your mole's beauty.

In addition to moles that have gotten bigger, changed shape or changed You should also keep an eye out for moles that have become itchy or wounds that have begun to bleed.

Moles may appear anywhere on the body, although they are more likely to appear on the backs of men and on women's legs, as stated the American Cancer Society

. UK contacted Piers Morgan after noticing an unusual mark on his chest while watching him in a television show

Morgan decided to consult a dermatologist following the advice of Ms. Nuttall, who immediately removed the stain and revealed that She could become cancerous.

Morgan publicly thanked Ms. Nuttall, describing her as her "savior".

Is the sun exposure safe?

While vitamin D emitted by the sun is extremely beneficial overall According to Dr. Ross Perry, general practitioner and medical director of CosmedicsUK, tanning is apparently still detrimental, according to Dr. Ross Perry

"There is no healthy tan," said Dr. Perry The Independent . 19659083] The truth about the after-sun application, according to experts

"A tan is an answer to DNA damage, whether it's on the beach, on a lounger or when accidentally exposed." Tanning is caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun, and if you have one "

The viewers of Love Island are increasingly worried about competitor Alex George, whose skin appeared red throughout the show.

"Alex's sunburn puts me uncomfortably," one person commented on Twitter, along with another person saying : " Someone gives the boy aloe vera. "