Scientists at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter’s Tremough campus have been researching a way to grow skin specifically to tackle Malignant Melanoma. They first announced their intent to grow human skin back in November 2012, saying that it would take at least 6 months or more to get the full clearance on their ground breaking research. Cancer research is often of single cells, but scientists at the Centre believe the best route would be to examine clusters of cells in contact with each other the way they naturally lie in the body.

They hope the research could help to identify people at risk, diagnose more effectively and understand how cancer cells break away from each other to form other tumors in the body.

Malignant Melanoma is the most deadliest form of skin cancer. Anyone can get Melanoma. If found early melanoma is almost 100% curable. When allowed to grow, melanoma can quickly spread to other parts of the body.

The best ways to protect yourself from Melanoma and other skin cancers are to:

• Conduct a monthly self skin check; watch for changes in moles and see a Dermatologist immediately if you notice any signs of skin cancer.
• See a Dermatologist yearly, especially if you have pale skin, light-colored eyes, freckles or a history of skin cancer in your family.
• Seek the shade during peak hours of the day between 10am-4pm
• Wear SPF 30 sunscreen daily
• Protect your eyes, neck, face with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
• Wear UV-protective clothing