British Association of Dermatologists urges public to check for signs of skin cancer following ‘concerning’ decrease

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has raised concerns following the publication of new data showing that melanoma diagnoses decreased by 28% from April to November 2020. 

The drop reflects an estimated 2,671 fewer diagnoses than expected, according to BAD, with the decrease thought to have been caused by less GP visits relating to potential skin cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The data, taken from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, also showed the most significant decrease in melanoma diagnoses in May 2020, with only 54% of the expected number of diagnoses occurring in this month. 

The analysis also suggests an even more profound decrease for non-melanoma skin cancers – keratinocyte cancers – during this time period. 

Although these types of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, typically carry better prognoses compared to melanoma skin cancer, they are ‘far more common’, said BAD. 

“We are becoming increasingly aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has effects far beyond those immediately infected by the virus,” said Zoe Venables, dermatology clinical lead, National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service. 

“Undoubtedly, fewer cancer diagnoses are being made during the pandemic and it is of grave concern that this represents patients who are likely to present later, resulting in worse outcomes. We strongly encourage the public to do routine body checks including a full body skin check and attend their GP should they have any concerns,” she added.