Skin cancer - prevention and early detection

Each year in Australia almost 1,900 people die from skin cancer; yet skin cancer is a preventable disease and the majority of skin cancers are treatable if detected early.

While prevention is better than cure, having a good awareness of your own skin should help you to detect any suspicious lumps or spots as soon as they develop, at a stage when they can be successfully treated.

Three types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma.

These are named after the type of cell they start from.

Basal cell carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually occurs on the upper body. These cancers are often red and slightly raised, with a scaly area that can bleed if knocked. They often become ulcerated as they develop.

Squamous cell carcinoma

This cancer grows over a period of weeks or months and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. It occurs most often (but not only) on areas exposed to the sun. This can include the head, neck, hands and forearms. This cancer looks like thickened, red, scaly spots.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is associated with a history of multiple sunburns. Each year in Australia, 1,400 people die from this disease and over 10,000 new cases are diagnosed. Melanoma develops over weeks to months. If caught early, it is usually curable. However, if it spreads to other parts of the body, it can be very difficult to cure. Melanoma appears as a new spot or as an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes colour, size or shape. It usually has an irregular, smudgy outline and is often more than one colour. Even mild sunburn and tanning can contribute to skin cell damage that can lead to melanoma.

Prevention of skin cancer

UV levels are most intense during the middle of the day. Check the SunSmart UV Alert for daily sun protection times. This is available as a free SunSmart app, and can also be found online at sunsmart.com.au or bom.gov.au/weather/uv, in the weather section of newspapers. The sun protection times show when the UV Index is forecast to be 3 or above.

SunSmart recommends five steps to protect against sun damage during the daily sun protection times:

• Slip – on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop – on SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30+ sunscreen. Make sure it is broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays) and is water resistant. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply every two hours. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
• Slap – on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
• Seek – shade.
• Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1067:2003.

Extra care should be taken during the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.

Be aware of your skin

All Australians should become familiar with their skin. Be aware of your entire body as skin cancers can sometimes occur on parts of the body that are not exposed to the sun.

Use a hand-held mirror to check the skin on your back and the back of your neck, or ask someone else to look for you. Don’t forget your armpits, inner legs, ears, eyelids, hands and feet. Use a comb to move sections of hair aside and inspect your scalp.

Skin cancer – what to look for

Using the ABCDE system can be a good way to check for changes to your skin. While performing this skin check, remember that if you notice anything unusual (including any of the following, or the development of a new spot), you should visit your doctor.

The ABCDE system reminds you to check five sorts of changes that include:

• Asymmetry (unevenness) – one half of the spot doesn’t match the other.
• Border – the edges of the spot are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
• Colour – the colour of the spot is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, red, white or blue.
• Diameter – the spot is larger than 6 mm across (about 1/4 inch) or is growing larger.
• Evolution or elevation – the spot may change in shape or size (enlarge) and a flat spot may become raised in a matter of a few weeks.

Also be aware of any mole or freckle that:

• Changes over a period of months
• Grows in size
• Changes shape
• Becomes mottled in colour
• Has a persistent itch.

If you notice anything new or unusual on your skin, see your doctor.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Your local community health centre
• SunSmart
• The Cancer Council of Victoria Information and Support Line Tel. 13 11 20
• Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Victoria Tel. 13 14 50

Things to remember

• Skin cancer is usually preventable – remember to slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses during the daily sun protection times. Check these each day on the free SunSmart app for smartphones, or online.
• Most skin cancers are treatable if found early.
• Get familiar with all of your skin, not just sun-exposed areas. .
• If you notice anything new or unusual on your skin, see your doctor.

You might also be interested in:

• Cancer.
  
• Cancer screening.
  
• Health checks for men.
  
• Melanoma.
  
• Skin.
  
• Skin cancer - children.
  
• Skin cancer - prevention and early detection.
  
• Skin cancer - protecting outdoor workers.
  
• Skin cancer - risk factors.
  
• Skin cancer - tanning.
  
• Solariums (sunbeds and tanning beds).
  
• Sun protection in the snow.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

SunSmart

Last reviewed: October 2012

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Skin_cancer_early_detection_is_critical?open">Skin cancer - prevention and early detection - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Skin cancer is a preventable disease and the majority of skin cancers are treatable if detected early. Regular skin checks should help you detect any suspicious lumps or spots as soon as they develop. Pay particular attention to your arms, legs, face, neck, back, shoulders and the back of your hands. Prevention involves a combination of five simple steps: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2013  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.