Skin Cancer Awareness

Regarding mortality, about 57,000 melanoma-related deaths were recorded in 2020. That figure is projected to climb to 96,000 by 2040—a 68% increase. [10]
Though melanoma accounts for a minority of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for most related deaths. In contrast, carcinomas represent most cases but are less fatal.
These projections underscore the urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies and ensure equitable access to care.

The Different Types of UV Rays

These figures serve as a wake-up call: better protection against UV rays is crucial—especially for children. Their stem cells are located closer to the skin’s surface than those of adults, making them more vulnerable to cancer-causing mutations. Direct sun exposure before the age of one is strongly discouraged.

On the beach, a basic umbrella blocks only 40–50% of UV rays; the rest reaches the skin through reflection or diffusion. Even on cloudy days—when many believe they’re safe from sun damage, up to 80% of UV radiation can still penetrate. [11]

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. They are invisible and exist in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

• UVA Rays: These penetrate deeply into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles. They also amplify the effects of UVB rays.

• UVB Rays: These rays damage the outer layer of the skin, leading to sunburn and playing a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

• UVC Rays: Largely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, these rays do not reach the surface.

Since SPF only applies to UVB rays, it’s essential to choose a sunscreen that says “broad-spectrum” on the label—this indicates that the product helps protect against UVB and UVA rays. Both types of UV rays can damage your skin and contribute to skin cancer. As mentioned above, UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns. UVA rays, on the other hand, are often referred to as “aging rays” because they can prematurely age your skin—resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. These rays may also damage your skin when you’re indoors.

Staying Protected

Unprotected skin can begin to suffer UV damage in as little as 15 minutes. [12]

For all these reasons, it’s essential to take the right precautions. [13]

– Apply SPF 50+ sun cream and reapply every 2 hours at least or more often if you go swimming or sweat.

– Stay in the shade as much as possible, typically between 12pm and 4pm.

– Wear light, long-sleeved clothing, a hat and sunglasses. For more fragile people, or in case of long exposure, wear clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).

– Check the day’s UV index to prepare yourself accordingly to it, you can find it on any app weather.

Cancer prevention has become one of the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century. Based on current scientific evidence, at least 40% of all cancer cases could be prevented through effective primary prevention [14]. Among those diagnosed, 50% undergo radiation treatments which still have limitations in their current form. [15]

Types of Skin Cancer

Source: CBD Skin Cancer Clinic. (n.d.). Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). https://cbdskincancer.com.au/skin-cancer/squamous-cell-carcinoma-scc/

Source: CBD Skin Cancer Clinic. (n.d.). Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). https://cbdskincancer.com.au/skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma-bcc/

Types of Melanomas:

Melanomas are aggressive cancers because they spread (metastasize) quickly. There are primarily 4 major types of melanomas [17]:

Source: CBD Skin Cancer Clinic. (n.d.). Melanoma. https://cbdskincancer.com.au/skin-cancer/melanoma/

Dubreuil Melanoma (or Solar Melanoma): Also known as Lentigo Maligna, it typically appears in older individuals, especially on the face, ears, and arms, and accounts for 10 to 15% of melanomas. It appears as a large, flat, irregularly bordered brown or black spot (which should not be confused with age spots, which are often light or dark brown and found on the hands or face of seniors). It is associated with excessive sun exposure.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: This rare type of melanoma, affecting extremities, accounts for less than 5% of cases. It is more commonly observed in individuals with very dark skin or African descent (60% of melanoma cases in these individuals, compared to 5% in fair-skinned people). It usually develops on the palms, soles, or nails. [18]

Nodular Melanoma: This type appears as a simple “bump” that is brown-black, red, or bluish in color. Nodular melanoma should raise concern when it grows rapidly or bleeds with minimal friction. It forms a raised mass that protrudes from the skin’s surface (polypoid). It is the second most common melanoma, representing about 15% of cases. From the start, it grows deep, making early diagnosis challenging. As with many other cancers, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis.

Recognizing a Dangerous Skin Lesion

If any of the following points raise concern regarding one of your spots, do not hesitate to first contact your general practitioner, who will refer you to a specialist if necessary. In the case of a suspicious mole, the dermatologist will conduct a clinical examination, possibly supplemented by dermoscopy. If necessary, a biopsy will be performed to confirm or rule out the presence of melanoma.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. In the case of melanoma, surgical excision is generally the first-line treatment. For more advanced cases, targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be considered.

Innovations and Artificial Intelligence

With a shortage of dermatologists and long wait times, new technologies paired with artificial intelligence are proving increasingly valuable for diagnosis.

Since October 2023, in Evreux, France, a three-meter-tall and five-meter-wide device equipped with 92 high-definition lenses can photograph a patient’s entire skin surface in one shot. The scanner produces a full-body map of lesions and moles. [19]

“The doctor can then, remotely, choose to magnify any suspicious mole for analysis”.

This type of technology could revolutionize early detection—critical for improving survival rates.

Researchers have developed AI algorithms [20] capable of detecting skin cancers with 95% accuracy, surpassing the performance of many dermatologists. These tools could revolutionize screening by enabling faster, more accurate detection of malignant lesions.

After over 200 clinical studies and three years of research, an artificial intelligence system specialized in dermatology is now being tested in 14 countries, including France. Today, this cutting-edge technology can detect 96% of skin cancer cases with remarkable accuracy.

THERYQ’s Role in Advancing Skin Cancer Treatments

This is where THERYQ comes in. We are committed to addressing a critical need: providing new treatment options, especially for patients who may not respond to conventional methods. Since the discovery of the FLASH effect, our mission has been to transform this technology into a clinically approved solution for both superficial lesions and deep-seated cancers. As part of this effort, we developed FLASHKNiFE™, an innovative FLASH (or Ultra-High Dose Rate UHDR) radiotherapy device. By combining the latest scientific discoveries with cutting-edge engineering, this device enables the rapid elimination of cancerous cells from the skin’s surface while significantly reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, a benefit already highlighted in early studies. [21]

Prevention remains essential for reducing the incidence of skin cancer, particularly by limiting UV exposure. Innovative technologies like FLASHKNiFE, developed by THERYQ, represent promising new methods for treating skin cancer in an effective and less invasive way.

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