Clinical trials are essential in advancing treatments for skin cancer, a disease that has been on the rise in recent years. As the 17th most common cancer globally, it impacts millions of people each year, making continued research vital.
With nearly 50 years of expertise in managing clinical trials across all phases of development—from early to late stage—Simbec-Orion has established itself as a leader in the field. This article explores how clinical trials are driving advancements in skin cancer treatments and highlights the importance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in raising awareness about the disease.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of skin cells, typically triggered by sun exposure. However, it can also develop in areas of the skin that are rarely exposed to sunlight. There are three primary types of skin cancer:
- Melanoma
- Basal cell carcinoma (non melanoma)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (non melanoma)
Each year, an estimated 2 to 3 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 132,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer are reported worldwide. Overall, one in every three cancers are diagnosed as skin cancer, highlighting its prevalence.
Melanoma
The primary cause of melanoma is the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or artificial sources like sunbeds. This type of skin cancer can also spread to other parts of the body.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing melanoma, including having fair skin, a large number of moles, a family history of skin cancer, and your age.
The main symptom of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or changes to an existing one. These moles may exhibit the following characteristics:
- Uneven shapes or irregular edges
- A mix of colours
- Larger than normal in size
- Noticeable changes over time
The treatment for melanoma will depend on a few factors, including where the cancer is, whether it has spread and the overall health of the individual. The main treatment for melanoma is surgery. In some cases, additional therapies like radiotherapy or chemotherapy might also be recommended.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma typically develops in areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun, such as the neck or face. It may present as:
- A waxy bump
- A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns
- A flat, flesh-coloured lesion
Doctors can almost always successfully treat basal cell skin cancer, and it is exceptionally rare for this type of cancer to spread to other parts of the body. Consequently, fatalities from basal cell carcinoma are extremely uncommon. However, in a small percentage of cases, the cancer may recur in the skin, requiring additional treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma also develops in areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, and hands. It may present as:
- A firm, red nodule
- A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
Doctors can successfully cure most cases of squamous cell skin cancer. In rare instances, the cancer may spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2025
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is observed every year in May. The campaign focuses on highlighting the risks of unprotected sun exposure and educating the public on effective strategies for preventing skin cancer.
The goal of Skin Cancer Awareness Month is to promote education that reduces the likelihood of skin cancer and improves the chances of early detection.
How to Get Involved in Skin Cancer Awareness Month
- Share stories on social media – throughout the month, individuals affected by skin cancer are encouraged to share their stories on social media to raise awareness and inspire others.
- Educate others – research more about the disease yourself, and educate friends, family and colleagues about the importance of skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
- Perform a self skin exam – perform a self-skin exam and encourage others to do the same.
- Support organisations – support organisations who are raising awareness by donating or setting up fundraisers yourself.
How Clinical Trials Advance Skin Cancer Care
Researchers are continually investigating the causes of skin cancer, improving diagnostic methods, and developing treatment options. The process begins with laboratory testing of potential new drugs or therapies. If these initial studies yield promising results, the treatments proceed to clinical trials, where they are carefully evaluated in a controlled setting.
The primary goals of skin cancer clinical trials are to ensure the safety of the new treatment, assess any potential side effects, and determine whether it is more effective than existing options. Additionally, researchers evaluate how the treatment affects the quality of life for patients, aiming to strike a balance between efficacy and patient well-being. This approach helps pave the way for breakthroughs in skin cancer care.
Clinical Trials at Simbec-Orion
Simbec-Orion provides comprehensive clinical trial management services, encompassing everything from patient recruitment to data processing. Specialising in oncology and rare diseases, Simbec-Orion designs and delivers customised clinical development projects tailored to your specific requirements.
With almost 50years of experience in CRO services, Simbec-Orion partners with clients worldwide, acting as an invaluable extension of their teams to ensure the successful management of clinical trials. To learn more about our services, reach out via the contact form.