Skin cancer

What to spot when looking for skin 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.

While skin cancer can affect anyone, there are certain risk factors that can  increase your chances of being diagnosed.

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 sunburn
• Have lots of moles on their skin
• Have a history of suntanning or use of sunbed
• 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.