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About skin cancer | Get to know your skin | What is skin cancer? | What causes skin cancer? | Skin cancer risk factors
About skin cancer
Skin cancer can hide in plain sight and in places we might not expect.
UV radiation causes damage to the skin cells DNA and can mutate into cancer that can spread to different parts of your body, such as the liver, lung and brain. In rare cases skin cancer can become deadly within six weeks.
At any time, skin cancer signs will become visible in the form of new spots, changes in colour or shape of existing spots.
Get to know your skin
More than 70% of skin cancers are diagnosed by people other than health professionals. As you can see and are familiar with your skin, you are more likely to detect skin cancer. That’s why it’s important to get to know your skin and check it regularly.
If you detect or notice changes to your skin, and see your GP at an earlier, more easily treatable stage, you can enjoy more of what life has the offer.
How to check for skin cancer
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. BCC and SCC are also called non-melanoma skin cancer or keratinocyte cancer.
Melanoma
In Australia, melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer as it can spread from your skin to vital organs including your lungs, liver and brain.
Melanoma can grow quickly and vary greatly in the way it looks. The first sign is often a new spot or a change in an existing mole.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer and can grow quickly over several weeks or months. If left untreated, SCCs can spread to other parts of the body.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and usually grows slowly over months or years and only rarely spreads to other parts of the body. If left untreated, some BCCs can grow deeper into the skin, invade nerves and damage nearby tissue, making treatment more difficult.
What to spot when looking for skin cancer
What causes skin cancer?
More than 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
UV radiation most often comes from the sun, but it can also come from artificial sources like solariums or sunbeds.
Solariums are banned for commercial use in Australia as research shows that people who use solariums have a much greater risk of developing skin cancer.
How to protect your skin
Skin cancer risk factors
While skin cancer can affect anyone, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of being diagnosed.
Genetic risk factors
- Pale or freckled skin, especially if it burns easily.
- Red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes.
- Certain skin conditions such as sunspots.
- Lots of moles, or moles with irregular shapes and uneven colour.
- A previous skin cancer or a family history of skin cancer.
- A weakened immune system or are using immunosuppressive medications.
Behaviours that increase your skin cancer risk
- Intentionally changing your skin cell colour to 'tan' or use of sunbeds (solariums).
- Working outdoors where workers receive up to 10 times the UV exposure of indoor workers.
- A history of unprotected exposure to UV radiation, particularly a pattern of short, intense periods of sun exposure and sunburn.
If you are at higher risk of developing skin cancer, see your GP to develop a surveillance plan and check your skin regularly for any changes.