Pic Credit: https://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/
The word “cancer” often triggers fear, but for many diagnosed with skin cancer, there is good news — it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Thanks to medical advances, a growing number of patients are not only surviving but thriving, with highly personalised treatment plans that go far beyond traditional surgery.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably, typically due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The most common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma — the most aggressive form.
Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment, especially in early stages, but modern skin cancer care involves a combination of approaches tailored to the unique characteristics of the tumour and the individual.
Surgery: Often the First Step
For many patients, surgery is the initial and often curative step in treating skin cancer. Wide local excision is commonly used to remove cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin, helping to reduce the risk of recurrence. In more advanced cases, nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed.
One particularly precise surgical option is Mohs surgery, especially beneficial for cancers on delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears or neck. This technique removes thin layers of tissue one at a time, examining each under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. Mohs surgery preserves healthy skin, offers high cure rates and reduces the need for additional treatment.
Mohs surgery is ideal for:
- Recurrent or high-risk skin cancers
- Tumours with hard-to-define borders
- Large or aggressive cancers
- Cases where tissue preservation is critical (e.g. around the eyes, nose, or mouth)
Beyond the Scalpel: Additional Treatment Options
Not all skin cancers can be treated with surgery alone. Depending on the cancer’s characteristics, additional therapies may be recommended:
Targeted Therapy: Used when genetic mutations are found in the tumour, targeted drugs can block the specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow.
Chemotherapy: Applied topically for surface-level cancers or administered systemically when the disease spreads. It works by killing cancer cells or preventing their growth.
Immunotherapy: Enhances the body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. A cutting-edge advancement is TIL therapy (tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes), recently approved for advanced melanoma.
Radiation Therapy: Delivers high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, often used when surgery isn’t feasible or as a follow-up treatment to ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated.
These options can improve outcomes, reduce recurrence, and enhance quality of life — especially for patients with complex or advanced disease.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Post-operative care is essential to prevent complications, manage pain, and promote healing. Some patients may require reconstructive surgery to restore appearance and function, particularly if large areas of skin were removed.
Patients should also be aware of potential side effects from non-surgical treatments, such as fatigue, nausea or skin sensitivity. Ongoing communication with the care team ensures these symptoms are managed effectively.
Regular follow-ups help detect recurrence early and track long-term recovery. These appointments are also an opportunity to address emotional health, a crucial yet sometimes overlooked part of the healing process.
The Role of Mental and Emotional Support
The cancer journey impacts more than the body — it also takes a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Feelings of anxiety, sadness or fear of recurrence are common. Supportive therapies such as counselling, peer support groups and mental healthcare can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s outlook and resilience.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Matter
Good nutrition plays a vital role in recovery. A balanced diet supports the immune system, promotes wound healing and helps maintain energy. Consulting with a dietitian can provide personalised guidance.
Healthy lifestyle changes — including sun protection, smoking cessation and proper skincare — are also key to preventing future complications or recurrences.
Spotting the Signs Early
Early detection is crucial to successful treatment. Dermatologists recommend regular self-checks and annual professional skin exams, particularly for those with risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer.
Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles and skin changes:
- Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other
- Border – Edges are irregular or poorly defined
- Colour – Multiple colours or uneven tones
- Diameter – Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving – Changing in size, shape or colour
A Brighter Future
With today’s personalised, multi-faceted treatments, skin cancer is more manageable than ever. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022, non-melanoma skin cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates — 93.2% for males and 97.5% for females.
The path may be challenging, but with comprehensive care that includes physical, emotional and practical support, patients can face skin cancer with confidence and hope.
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