Skin Cancer 101

Everything you should know about Australia’s cancer

Did you know 2 in 3 of us will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70? With one Australian losing their life to melanoma every five hours, it’s important that we know what skin cancer is – including the various types – and what signs to look out for to keep our skin healthy and safe.

This is what you need to know about skin cancer.

What is skin cancer?

Most skin cancers are locally destructive cancerous growths on the skin. They originate from the cells in the outer layers of the skin, called the epidermis. There are various types of skin cancers that grow in different cell types.

Some types of skin cancer grow larger on the skin and cause disfigurement and pain. Aggressive skin cancers like melanoma can quickly spread to other organs in the body and become deadly.

What causes skin cancer?

The vast majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the cells and causes tanning, sunburn, pigmentation, freckles, and potentially turns those cells cancerous. Skin cancers will often develop years after sun exposure has occurred. Solarium use also significantly increases your chances of growing skin cancer.

Some skin cancers can also appear in areas that haven’t been exposed to the sun. Melanoma can be hereditary; if your parent, sibling or child has had a melanoma, your own risk increases significantly.

What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancer can look like anything! It usually appears as a new or changing lesion on your skin that stands out from the others.

When should I see someone about my moles?

You should have a general skin cancer check annually. Outside of this, you should book an appointment if any mole:

• changes shape, colour, or size;
• becomes crusted, itchy, flaky, or bleeds easily;
• won’t heal after a few weeks;
• becomes raised or irritable; or
• appears anew, especially if you are over the age of 30.