Skin Cancer Facts

What are the Statistics?

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with over 444 300 cases reported each year for all types of skin cancers.

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer is the 2nd most common form of cancer in males and females alike. Approximately 1 in every 11 males and 1 in 19 females in Queensland will develop a melanoma in their lifetime.

More than 1200 Australians die from melanoma each year.

What Do I Look For?

See your doctor if you notice a freckle, mole or lump that is new or changing in size, shape or colour, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Following is some information on the different types of sun spots.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancers. If left undetected and untreated, the cancer cells will spread to other parts of the body.

Early detection and treatment is the key - 95% of all melanomas are cured with early treatment.

A melanoma will appear as a new spot, or a change in an existing spot such as colour, size or shape. It usually has a smudgy outline and is more than one colour. Melanomas grow over weeks to months. 

 

Dysplastic Naevi

Dysplastic Naevi are not skin cancers, but may be a warning that you are more prone to melanoma.

They are often flat, fairly large moles which share some of the features of early melanoma. It is characterized by irregular borders and uneven colour with multiple shades of brown and sometimes pink.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is not as dangerous as melanoma but can also spread to other parts of the body if not treated.

It appears as a thickened red, scaly spot that may later bleed easily or ulcerate. It’s found on sites most often exposed to the sun such as the face, and grows over some months.

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and least dangerous skin cancer.

It appears as a lump or scaling area and can be red, pale or pearly in colour. As it grows it may become ulcerated like an unhealing sore or one that heals and then breaks down again. It grows slowly, usually on the head, neck and upper torso.

Freckles and Moles

Freckles are harmless, coloured spots that range in size from 1mm to 10mm.

Moles are evenly coloured and may be raised, although not necessarily. They have clear, even edges and are usually circular or oval in shape.

Solar Keratoses

Solar Keratoses are not skin cancers but a warning that you are prone to developing skin cancer.

Solar Keratoses are characterized by red, flattish, scaling areas which may sting if scratched. They usually appear on sun-exposed skin in the over 40 age group.

 

HARMLESS SPOTS

Seborrhoeic Keratoses

By the age of 60, most people will have at least one or two Seborrhoeic Keratoses.

They have a very discrete edge and frequently sit up on top of the skin. Colours can very from pale skin through to orange or black. The size can also vary from a few millimeters to 2cm.

How Can I Save My Skin?

Avoid Dangerous Times in the Sun

Reduce your sunlight exposure, particularly in the peak radiation times of 10am to 3pm. Even on cooler days it’s still important to avoid the sun.

Be Protected

Cover up your body by remembering to ‘slip, slop slap’. Wear a long-sleeved collared shirt with closely woven  fabric, put on a hat with a wide brim, don’t forget sunglasses for your eyes and wear sunscreen. It is a good idea to find some shade, or create your own with an umbrella.

Sunscreen

Put on SPF30+ sunscreen (or higher) before you enter the sun and make sure you reapply it regularly (every 2 hours). Liberal application is recommended: use approximately 1 teaspoon per limb as a guide.

When choosing a sunscreen ensure it’s broad spectrum and water resistant if you plan to go in the water. Store  below 30°C and remember to check the use by date as  its effectiveness decreases after this time.

Get Regular Skin Checks

Ninety five percent of melanomas that are treated early are cured. Regular skin checks are the most effective way to detect skin cancer early.

Reference

www.cancer.org.au

Queensland Cancer Fund: www.qldcancer.org.au

For More Information

Wesley Corporate Health

Level 2 / 46 Edward Street

Brisbane  Qld  4000

Phone:  07 3234 2600

Email: info@weshealth.com.au

Cancer Information and Support Service

13 11 20 (toll free)

Queensland Cancer Fund

PO Box 201

Spring Hill

QLD 4004

The Skin Cancer Foundation

Http://www.skincancer.org

Disclaimer

This Fact Sheet is provided for your information only and does not replace qualified medical advice. The information provided may not apply to every person or all situations. A medical practitioner should be consulted for all treatment and medication.