Skin Cancer Checks & Surgery

book now

Do you know what skin cancer looks like?

Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. The good news is that 95 per cent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if detected early. A simple check could save your life. We should all check our skin regularly. Get to know your skin and take immediate action if you notice any changes.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  • basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

  • squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

  • melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer or keratinocyte cancers. Keratinocyte cancer is more common in men, with almost double the incidence compared to women.

Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australians excluding keratinocyte cancers as data on incidence is not routinely collected).

There are also rare types of skin cancer including Merkel cell carcinoma and angiosarcoma. These are treated differently from BCC and SCC. 

  • Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older.

    The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.

    Some factors that increase your risk of skin cancer include:
    - sunburn
    - tanning
    - solariums

  • The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.

    It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.

    Become familiar with the look of your skin, particularly spots and moles, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer.

    Look for:
    - any crusty, non-healing sores
    - small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
    - new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months

    Read More

  • For best protection, when the UV level is 3 or above, we recommend a combination of sun protection measures:
    - Slip on some sun-protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible.
    - Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
    - Slap on a hat - that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
    - Seek shade.
    - Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian standards.

    Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.

  • See a doctor straight away if you notice:
    - A skin spot that is different from other spots around it
    - A mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour
    - A new spot that has changed over weeks or months in size, shape or colour
    - An inflamed sore that has not healed within three weeks

book now