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Hairdressers will be taught to detect early signs of skin cancer
Hairdressers could be key to detecting early signs of skin cancer, according to a new study from the University of Portsmouth.
The study, which involved 37 male and female hairdressers, found that many of them already notice suspicious moles or skin changes on their clients’ scalps, necks and faces – areas that people often find difficult to inspect on their own.
The findings suggest that with more awareness and training, these professionals could play an important role in improving early detection of skin cancer.
The study found that although only 5% of hairdressers had received formal training, almost a quarter of staff (24%) regularly examined clients. A third of those surveyed reported a suspicious mole to clients and 39% were subsequently diagnosed with skin cancer.
The study, published in the journal Skin Skin Health and Disease, was carried out by Helen Fleming as part of her Masters Research Program (MRes) at the university. She now works as a Research Fellow in the School of Dentistry, Health and Health Professions. Last year her research won her a Student Research Impact Award at the annual Student Impact Awards.
Helen says: “Hairdressers are uniquely placed to notice changes in areas of the skin that most people don’t see in themselves. Many of the participants in our research have already encouraged clients to see a doctor after noticing something unusual. With a simple training, they can become powerful advocates for early detection.”
The reasons hairdressers did not screen their clients were lack of training (65%) and lack of confidence in checking for suspicious moles or neoplasms on the skin (24%). Almost all participants expressed an interest in learning more about skin cancer (92 %).
When asked how clients reacted when they were encouraged to see a doctor, one hairdresser said, “She didn’t know she had it. I explained and showed her in the mirror and she was able to get an examination and sort out the problem and was very grateful that I showed her because she didn’t know.”
Another said: “He was very concerned as he knew he already had moles on his head but didn’t know about this one on the back of his head. As a result he went and had them checked.”
Melanoma rates in Portsmouth are around 26% higher than the England average, making it one of the most affected areas in the country. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK and melanoma – although less common – can be the most dangerous if not caught at an early stage.
As May marks skin cancer awareness month, the study highlights the importance of regular self-check-ups, sun protection and seeing a specialist who can spot warning signs at an early stage. According to the figures, nearly 250,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, and the number is steadily rising.
“We want to encourage both the public and hair care professionals to understand the signs and take them seriously,” Helen added. -“If a suspicious mole is spotted and acted upon early, it could save lives.
Helen’s current research project is looking at skin cancer prevention methods used by hairdressers in Portsmouth.
Further research in this area could support the inclusion of a skin cancer traineeship in the UK hairdressers’ training program, as well as free training for hairdressers in basic skin diagnosis.
This would provide people with a nationwide resource for head and neck screening, potentially contributing to earlier detection of skin cancer, improving patient prognosis and reducing treatment costs.
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