What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer, simply put, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin.
There are several different types of skin cancer with the most common types being
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) which accounts for about 2 out of 3 skin cancers
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) which accounts for about 1 in 3 skin cancers
Melanoma accounts for about 1 in 100 skin cancers (Cancer Council)
What causes skin cancer?
According to the Cancer Council, UV radiation is behind more than 95% of skin cancers — and Australia has some of the strongest UV levels on the planet. It peaks in summer, but it can still sneak up on unprotected skin most of the year, even when levels are only moderate.
Here's the tricky part: you can't see or feel UV. It has nothing to do with temperature, so it can be just as strong on a cool, cloudy day. Over time, UV exposure can lead to sunburn, early skin ageing, and cell damage that raises your risk of skin cancer. Using a solarium also significantly increases your chance of developing a skin cancer.
And the damage isn't always obvious. It can happen well before you notice a tan or a burn, and it quietly builds up over the years — damage that, once done, can't be undone.
Risk factors
A few things can raise your risk of skin cancer, including:
Age - skin cancer can occur at any age but the risk increases as your age increases
pale or freckled skin, especially if it burns easily and rarely tans
red or fair hair, and light-coloured eyes (blue or green)
getting a lot of unprotected sun in short, intense bursts — think weekends and holidays
tanning outdoors or using solariums/tanning beds
spending a lot of time outside for work or hobbies (like gardening or golf)
past exposure to arsenic
a weakened immune system — from conditions like leukaemia or lymphoma, or from medicines that suppress immunity (e.g. for autoimmune conditions or after an organ transplant)
having lots of moles, especially moles with an irregular shape or uneven colour
a previous skin cancer, or skin cancer in the family
skin conditions like sunspots, which are a sign of past sun damage
smoking, which has been linked to a possible higher risk too
How do I spot a skin cancer on my skin?
It is important to “know the skin you are in”.
Getting to know your own skin makes it much easier to spot anything new, different or changing. Try building in a regular self check —
maybe a calendar reminder at the change of season will help you remember.
Here are some things to look out for. Remember your ABCDE
A - Asymmetry - one half of the mole does not match the other
B - Border - the edges of the mole are irregular, notched, blurred or ragged
C - Colour - the colour is not the same all over the mole. There may be shades of blue or black or brown or sometimes patches of red or white or blue
D - Diameter - The mole is larger than 6mm or is growing larger
E - Evolving - Changes in shape, size, colour, has become raised, itches or bleeds
If you are suspicious of any spot on your skin, it is always better to have it checked by a professional. We do not think you are silly or overreacting when we are checking spots that you are concerned about. The sooner skin cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
If you are ready to come and see one of our very experienced skin cancer practitioners you can either call us on (08) 7557 9611 or head over to our website https://www.gawlerbarossaskincancerclinic.com.au/
You can read more about our Doctors and melanographer, see our pricing structure and book in your skin check.
You can also read about what to expect during your skin check on our blog.
We can’t wait to meet you.
Want more information on skin cancer types and what to look for?
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