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Skin cancer

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Summary

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.Regardless of skin type, everyone is at risk of sun damage and skin cancer.Skin cancer is mostly preventable. Check the sun protection times each day and use the 5 sun protection measures. Most skin cancers can be successfully treated, if found early.If you notice anything new or unusual on your skin, see your doctor.

Types of skin cancer

The 3 main types of skin cancer are: basal cell carcinoma squamous cell carcinoma melanoma. These are named after the type of cell they start from. is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma can grow quickly, developing over weeks to months. If caught early, it is usually treatable. However, if detected in a later stage, it may have already spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. Common melanomas appear as a new spot or as an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes colour, size or shape. They are usually flat with an irregular, smudgy outline and are often more than one colour. Even mild and can contribute to skin cell damage that can lead to melanoma. Nodular melanoma is a highly dangerous form of melanoma that looks different from common melanomas – they are raised and are even in colour (often red or pink and some are brown or black). This type of melanoma grows quickly and can be life-threatening if not detected and removed quickly.

Prevention of skin cancer

Whenever UV levels are 3 or higher, use a combination of sun protection measures (broad-brimmed hat, clothing, sunscreen, shade, and if practical, sunglasses). Don't just wait for hot and sunny days to use sun protection as UV can still reach damaging levels, even on cool, cloudy days. The sun protection times indicate when the UV is forecast to be 3 or higher and are available: as a free online at online at in the weather section of newspapers as a free . recommends using eye protection all year. are advised to use sun protection all year round. Read about .

Be aware of your skin

All Australians should become familiar with their skin. Be aware of your entire body as skin cancers can sometimes occur on parts of the body that are not exposed to the sun. Use a hand-held mirror to check the skin on your back and the back of your neck, or ask someone else to look for you. Don't forget your armpits, inner legs, ears, eyelids, hands and feet. Check between your fingers and toes. Use a comb to move sections of hair aside and inspect your scalp. Be alert to new or changing moles, freckles and spots. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor straight away. If you don't have a regular doctor, you can make an appointment with any doctor for a skin examination. If you are considering using a skin cancer clinic, first find out about the services offered and the expertise of the staff. Watch this SunSmart video about how to check for skin cancer.

Skin cancer – what to look for

Look for any changes to your skin. Be aware of any new spots or changes to existing spots, moles or freckles. . A biopsy is a quick and simple procedure where part or all of the spot is removed and sent to a laboratory. It may be done by your doctor or you might be referred to a dermatologist or surgeon. Results may take about a week to come through. In some cases, your biopsy may remove all of your skin cancer and you may not require further treatment.

Treatment of skin cancer

In choosing the best treatment option, your doctor will consider your age and general health, the type and size of cancer, where it is on your body and what you want. The treatment choice will also depend on whether the skin cancer has spread elsewhere in your body. Types of further treatment include: freezing scraping removing lymph nodes immunotherapy targeted therapy .

Where to get help

Your Tel. – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Tel. Tel. – for information and support Tel.

, Australian Bureau of Statistics. , Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government. , 2021, Cancer Council Australia. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Reviewed on:

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