As we reach the end of Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2024 Dr Ivan Bristow answers a very important question! Can you get skin cancer on your foot?
Can you get skin cancer on your foot?
As a podiatrist, this is a question that I don’t often get asked, but I wish more people would ask, as it’s an important question!
The answer is definitely yes! When we think of skin cancer, we think of this as something which we maybe get on our arms, body and face but don’t forget your feet can be affected too.
Skin cancer rates around the world are rising every year and, in the UK alone there are many thousands of cases every year. As with all cancers its important that its diagnosed as soon as possible so that it can be treated early.
Which type of skin cancer is most common on the foot?
Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer which can arise on the feet.
Nationally around 20 000 are diagnosed every year and it continues to rise year on year. In men they are most common on the back and chest, whilst women tend to get them mostly on their legs. A proportion, however, do occur on the feet and these can be on the top of the foot, on the soles or even in the nails.
Most melanoma occur in people over the age of 50 but a lot of cases can occur in younger adults. They are very rare in children.
Most melanoma occur in fair skinned individuals but one big difference for melanoma on the foot is that they can develop in anyone of any skin type. If you have a darker skin type for example, of Asian or African heritage, the foot is the most common place for developing melanoma particularly on the soles of the feet and in the nail.
What should I look out for?
Most melanoma occur as a change to an existing mole or the appearance of a new one. Melanoma will change as they grow, so they may change in size, colour or shape. Occasionally they may itch or be painful.
There is an ABC for mole checks, which can help:
A: Asymmetry. Is the mole symmetrical? Does one side look like the other?
B: Border. The border is usually angular or jagged.
C: How many colours in the mole? More than two is considered suspicious.
D: Diameter. Is it 6mm or larger?
E: Evolving. Changing in in shape colour or elevation.
If you are unsure about any mole on your foot or leg, consult your podiatrist or General Practitioner. Early diagnosis is important.
Top tips for your feet
Don’t forget when using sunscreen to put some on the tops of your feet and toes as these regularly get forgotten and sunburned in the summer when wearing open toed sandals or going barefoot. A minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is recommended. Repeated sunburns can be a risk for developing skin cancer.
Regularly check your feet for any new moles or blemishes. If they don’t seem to disappear or seem to be getting worse, consult your podiatrist as soon as possible.
We are very grateful to Dr Ivan Bristow PhD, Podiatrist, who has kindly written this blog for us. Ivan has written and published extensively on this topic, and currently practices in Christchurch, Dorset. See his website for more details.