What is skin cancer? 
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, affecting 70% of Australians at some point in their lives.

What are the main types of skin cancer?

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It appears as a non-healing or slowly growing shiny red lump or patch mostly on the face.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is often a more rapidly growing red, crusty lesion on the scalp, ears and extremities, and;
• Melanoma is a growing or changing mole that may appear dark, with uneven colour and border and should be managed as an urgent case.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Any new, changing, or growing spot on your skin – brown, red, or otherwise should be shown promptly to your GP or a skin clinic to rule out the need to biopsy or excise it!

What is the ABCDE of moles vs potential melanomas?                                          

• Asymmetry (uneven appearance)
• Border (irregular/blurred, not crisp/clear)
• Colour (mottled or multiple colours including dark brown, red, or white patches)
• Diameter >6mm (larger moles warrant closer observation or management)
• Evolving (changing)

What are the causes of skin cancer?
Almost every skin cancer in Australia is caused by UV exposure to the skin of a genetically prone patient (ie fair skin, family history).

How should I screen for skin cancer?
If you have the type of skin that usually burns in the sun and rarely or never tans, you should see your GP or a skin doctor every 6-12 months to monitor the need for a biopsy or referral to a Plastic Surgeon.

What are the treatment options?
If detected early there may be non-surgical options such as creams or other conservative treatments. Unfortunately, more advanced skin cancers require surgical excision. In Australia, we have some of the best surgical and reconstructive techniques in the world which are a reflection of the high rates of skin cancer in our country.

What is your message for skin cancer action week?
Please get your skin checked annually by a trained skin doctor and if you notice any new or changing spots please act quickly. We cannot undo the sun exposure we have had in the past but we can be vigilant for the future.

And what is the key message for skin cancer prevention?
Slip, Slop, Slap. Between the months of September to April - (I remember they are the months with the letter “R” in them)  - please apply sunscreen and cover-up between the hours of 9:30 am to 4:30 pm as the UV index is often high, even on cool, cloudy days!