Skin Cancer Surgery in the Community: Alleviating the Burden on Secondary Care

Abstract

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, with its prevalence steadily increasing due to factors such as ageing populations, UV exposure, and lifestyle choices. The majority of skin cancers are non-melanoma types, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which account for around 95% of all cases [1].The further five percent are made up of other skin cancers such as melanoma which is considered more serious due to its potential for metastasis. In the UK, majority of non-melanoma skin cancers are identified in primary care but are commonly managed in secondary care. However, shifting the management of these cancers to primary and community-based settings has a significant potential to reduce the burden on secondary care and in turn free up resources for more complex cases. This shift could lead to improved efficiency, reduced waiting times, lower healthcare costs and ultimately greater patient satisfaction.