Checked your skin lately?
The sooner skin cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
More than 70% of skin cancers are found by people themselves or by their loved ones. Get to know your skin and if you notice any changes, visit your GP as soon as possible.
What you'll find on this page
The impact of skin cancer
Although almost entirely preventable, two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
The Victorian Cancer Registry reported that 2,885 Victorians were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022, with regional Victorians 47% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than those living in major cities.
The repeated exposure to the sun's UV in people’s daily lives increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
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.
At any time, potential skin cancer signs will become visible in the form of new spots, change in colour or shape of spots.
That’s why it’s important to get to know your skin and check it regularly. If you notice any changes, visit your GP as soon as possible.
The sooner skin cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. Knowing your skin and checking it regularly will give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
What does skin cancer look like?
Skin cancer can appear as:
- an existing spot that has changed in colour, size or shape
- a new or unusual looking spot including a lump or sore which doesn’t heal or may bleed.
Learn more about skin cancer
How do I check my skin?
When you check your skin, you will need:
- good lighting
- a full-length mirror
- a hand-held mirror
Skin cancer can hide in plain sight and in places we might not expect. Check your entire body, including the soles of your feet, between your toes, armpits, scalp, ears, eyelids and under your fingernails.
Ask a partner, family member or someone you feel comfortable with to check any areas of your body that are hard to see, like your back or scalp.
Learn more about how to check your skin
What makes me high risk?
People are considered high-risk if they:
- work outdoors or spend a lot of time outside
- have a family or personal history of skin cancer
- have a history of unprotected UV exposure or bad sunburns
- have lots of moles on their skin
- have a history of suntanning or use of sunbeds
- have a skin type that is easily damaged by UV radiation
- take immunosuppressive drugs
If you are at high risk of skin cancer, speak to your GP about a surveillance plan so your skin is checked regularly and monitored.
Hear dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair share what to look for when checking your skin.
Hear dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair’s tips on how to check your skin.
Hear dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair explain who is at risk of skin cancer.
Hear dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair’s share what he wishes patients knew.
GPs are at the frontline in prevention, detection and management of most skin cancers.
If you are a GP or health professional who engages with skin cancer prevention and early detection and would like resources and support, visit our health professionals page.
Contact us:
If you have questions about this campaign or the SunSmart program, use our contact us page and our team will get in touch.
When you go out, don’t let cancer in.