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SKIN CANCER INFORMATION
What To Look For
Check your skin regularly and see your doctor if you notice a new spot, a spot that looks different from the ones around it, or a spot that has changed in size, colour or shape.
Melanoma
-
May have irregular edges,
one half bigger than the other
or an uneven colour -
Can appear on skin that
is not normally exposed to
the sun
Nodular
Melanoma
-
Grows quickly so do not
delay seeing a doctor -
Raised and even colour
ranging from pink or red,
to brown or black -
Firm, dome shaped and
may bleed and crust
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Basal
Cell Carcinoma
-
Red, pale or pearly colour
that can be a lump or
dry, scaly patch -
Can ulcerate, bleed
and fail to heal
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Squamous
Cell Carcinoma
-
Thickened, red scaly
spot that bleeds easily,
crusts or ulcerates -
More common in
people over 50 years
SKIN CANCER
Melanoma of the skin is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males (after prostate and bowel cancer) and females (after breast and bowel cancer) in Australia.
In 2016, there was an estimated 13,280 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in Australia, killing approximately 1,770 people.
​
In 2018, a world-first study led by University of Sydney found that Australians aged 18-40 years who were regular users of sunscreen in childhood reduced their risk of developing melanoma by 40 percent, compared to those who rarely used sunscreen.
Melanoma is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian men aged 25-49 years and second most common cancer in women aged 25-49 years, after breast cancer.
Approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma or other types of skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old.
​
Cancer Council Australia have put together an excellent guide to Understanding Skin Cancer. This can be a useful resource for your Heath and Wellbeing tool kit.
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?
Skin Cancer is the abnormal uncontrolled growth of skin cells and is a result of DNA damage.
There are 3 main types of skin cancer:
-
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – the most common and least dangerous, develops on skin exposed to the sun.
-
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – grows over months and can spread if not treated, found on the upper body, head or neck.
-
Melanoma – the most dangerous and aggressive, it can grow anywhere and is not restricted to areas exposed to the sun.
WHAT CAUSES SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer is caused by direct ultraviolet radiation from the sun or other artificial sources such as tanning beds. Long term DNA damage to skin cells from the UV exposure can trigger mutations or genetic defects.
This can lead to uncontrolled growth of skin cells and the formation of malignant (cancerous) tumours.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER?
-
Check for UV levels before you head out at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/uv/ or download the Sunsmart app for your iPhone or Android
-
Ultraviolet radiation is the highest in the middle of the day so make sure to seek shade in those time frames
-
Wear protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and sunglasses for full protection
-
Apply sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day if you are exposed to the sun
-
Avoid sunburns and tanning booths
-
Book an in clinic or on-site molescan screen with our friendly staff.
THE FACTS
​It is important to check your skin regularly for any abnormal spots. Healthy spots are symmetrical, have smooth edges and are even in colour. Any spots that change in colour, size, shape or do not heal may be signs of cancer.
​
With a MSA Skin Cancer health check you will see our Dermoscopist to check for irregular changes to your skin. Most cancer can be cured if detected early.
​​
Australian Statistics
-
New Zealand has taken the lead in 2016 with the highest number of melanoma cases in the world
-
It is followed closely by Australia with the second highest incidence of skin cancer cases
-
Melanoma makes up 10.2% of new cancers in 2016
-
13,283 new cases of skin cancer in 2016
-
Skin cancer resulted in 3.8% of all deaths from cancer in 2016