Understanding Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It is the most common cancer in Australia. There are three main types: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious.
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95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. When detected early, the vast majority of skin cancers are treatable.
Melanoma Facts
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70% of Australians will face skin cancer at some point in their lives.
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Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in Australia.
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Around 1,300 Australians lose their lives to melanoma each year - every six hours, someone loses their life to it.
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Every 30 minutes, an Australian is diagnosed with melanoma.
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Melanoma is the most common cancer diagnosed in people aged 20 to 39.
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When detected early, melanoma can often be treated successfully.
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Very early melanomas are highly curable - regular skin checks give you the best chance of finding them at that stage.
Who is at Risk?
While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase your risk:
A personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma
Fair skin, light hair, or blue or green eyes
A large number of moles, or moles with unusual features
A history of significant or repeated sun exposure
A history of sunburn, particularly in childhood
History of solarium or tanning bed use
Working or spending significant time outdoors
Age over 40
You do not need to fit a high-risk profile to benefit from a skin check. A skin check is a proactive health measure for anyone who wants to know the state of their skin.
The ABCDE Guide to Suspicious Moles
When examining your skin, watch for the following warning signs:
A — Asymmetry: one half of the mole is unlike the other
B — Border: irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
C — Colour: uneven colour, with shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue
D — Diameter: larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
E — Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, or sensation
If a spot is changing, growing, bleeding, itching, or simply doesn't look right - have it checked. Skin cancer can also appear as a new spot, not just a changing mole.
Sun Safety
The Five SunSmart Rules
In Australia, UV radiation reaches a level of 3 or above on most days - even on overcast or cool days. When the UV index is 3 or above, your skin requires protection.
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Slip on protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
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Slop on broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, applied generously - approximately one teaspoon per limb and one for the face, neck and ears - and reapplied at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off
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Slap on a broad-brim hat
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Seek shade wherever possible
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Slide on close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses
Useful Information
Downloadable Forms
Useful Links
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Melanoma Institute Australia: melanoma.org.au ​
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Cancer Council Australia - SunSmart: cancer.org.au
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SunSmart Global UV App: sunsmart.com.au/resources/sunsmart-app
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Skin Cancer College of Australasia (SCCA): skincancercollege.org
Video Resources
Our doctors and nurses share their expertise directly - covering appointments, treatments, skin cancer education, and skin health. Real insight from the people looking after you.
Your Skin Check Step By Step
Why Trust Accredited Skin Cancer Doctors
How PDT Can Treat Superficial Skin Cancer
What To Expect with Skin Cancer Surgery
