Skin cancer

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Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. But it is preventable!

In Australia

  • 434 000 people develop skin cancer

  • 1 in 2 people will get skin cancer in their lifetime

  • 10 684 people get melanoma

  • 1700 people die each year from skin cancer

  • Sunburn in childhood may be linked to melanoma in adults

Skin cancer starts in the basal layer. There are three types of skin cancer.

BCC

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This is the most common but the least dangerous form of skin cancer. BCC are slow growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. They look like a lump or a scaly area.

SCC

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This type of skin cancer is more dangerous than BCC but less common. They can grow in weeks and may spread to other parts of the body. They are scaly red areas that may bleed and form ulcers.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer but luckily it is also the rarest. It can spread rapidly to other parts of the body. The first sign is usually a change in a freckle or a mole. The change may be in colour, shape or size. It is increased by exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun especially in the first 18 years of life. Keep an eye on your skin and if you see any changes talk to an adult.