Australia has earned the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. With two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, understanding the importance of regular skin checks and proper sun protection has never been more crucial for our nation's health.
The Sobering Reality: Australia's Skin Cancer Statistics
The statistics surrounding skin cancer in Australia paint a concerning picture that demands immediate attention. According to Cancer Council Australia, skin cancer accounts for approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in the country, making it by far the most common form of cancer affecting Australians. Each year, more than 750,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers, while over 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma.
The human cost is equally devastating. Skin cancer claims more Australian lives than road accidents, with approximately 2,000 people dying from the disease annually. Melanoma alone accounts for about 1,500 of these deaths, making it the most lethal form of skin cancer despite representing only a small percentage of all skin cancer cases.
These alarming figures aren't simply statistics; they represent real people, families, and communities affected by a largely preventable disease. The financial burden is also substantial, with skin cancer treatment costing the Australian healthcare system over $1.5 billion annually.
Understanding the Different Types of Skin Cancer
Not all skin cancers are created equal, and understanding the different types can help Australians better recognize potential warning signs and seek appropriate medical attention.
Melanoma presents the most serious form of skin cancer, developing in the melanocytes the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. While melanoma accounts for only about 4% of all skin cancer diagnoses, it's responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not typically exposed to sun, and has the potential to spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not caught early.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for about 70% of all cases. These cancers typically appear as small, shiny bumps or red, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands. While BCCs rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can cause significant local damage if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) represents about 25% of skin cancers and typically appears as thick, rough, scaly patches that may bleed or crust over. SCCs can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly, making early detection particularly important.
Recognizing Suspicious Lesions: The ABCDE Rule
Early detection of skin cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes, which is why every Australian should be familiar with the warning signs of suspicious lesions. The ABCDE rule provides a simple framework for identifying potentially concerning moles or spots:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half in shape, colour, or texture.
B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and well-defined.
C – Colour: The colour varies throughout the mole, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 5mm across, though melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, colour, or texture, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or tenderness develop.
Additionally, Australians should be alert to the "ugly duckling" sign, any mole or spot that looks different from the others on their body. New growths, sores that don't heal, or any changes to existing moles should prompt an immediate visit to a healthcare professional.
Recommended Frequency for Skin Checks
The frequency of professional skin checks depends on individual risk factors, but general guidelines provide a starting point for most Australians. The Cancer Council Australia recommends that adults perform monthly self-examinations and seek professional skin checks annually, though this may need to be more frequent for high-risk individuals.
Those at higher risk including people with fair skin, a history of excessive sun exposure, multiple moles, a family history of skin cancer, or a previous skin cancer diagnosis may require checks every three to six months. Healthcare professionals can provide personalised recommendations based on individual risk assessments.
Self-examinations should be conducted monthly in a well-lit room using mirrors to check all areas of the body, including often-overlooked spots like the scalp, between toes, under nails, and on the back. Partners can assist with checking hard-to-see areas, and smartphone apps can help track changes in moles over time.
The Power of Early Detection
Early detection of skin cancer can mean the difference between life and death, particularly with melanoma. When melanoma is detected early and confined to the top layer of skin, the five-year survival rate exceeds 95%. However, once melanoma has spread to distant parts of the body, this rate drops dramatically to around 25%.
For non-melanoma skin cancers, early detection typically means simpler, less invasive treatment options with better cosmetic outcomes. Small BCCs and SCCs can often be treated with minor surgical procedures in a doctor's office, while larger, more advanced cancers may require extensive surgery, radiation therapy, or other complex treatments.
Regular skin checks also provide peace of mind for many Australians, reducing anxiety about suspicious spots and ensuring that any concerning changes are addressed promptly by qualified healthcare professionals.
Comprehensive Sun Protection Strategies
While regular skin checks are essential for early detection, prevention remains the most effective strategy against skin cancer. Australia's high UV radiation levels mean that sun protection should be a daily consideration, not just during beach trips or outdoor activities.
The Cancer Council's SunSmart program advocates for a comprehensive approach to sun protection using the "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide" message:
Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Look for tightly woven fabrics and darker colours, which generally provide better protection.
Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+. Apply generously 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating.
Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects the face, neck, and ears.
Seek shade, particularly during peak UV times between 10 am and 3 pm.
Slide on wraparound sunglasses that meet Australian safety standards.
It's important to remember that UV radiation can be high even on cloudy days, and reflection from surfaces like water, sand, and concrete can increase exposure. Windows in cars and buildings provide some UV protection, but not complete protection, making sunscreen important even indoors in some situations.
Professional Skin Examination: What to Expect
A professional skin examination is a straightforward process that typically takes 15-30 minutes. Healthcare providers will examine the entire body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun, using specialized lighting and magnification tools when necessary.
Many clinics now use Dermoscopy, a non-invasive technique that allows detailed examination of skin lesions using a specialized magnifying device. Some facilities also offer digital mapping, which creates a photographic record of moles and spots to track changes over time.
During the examination, healthcare professionals will note any suspicious lesions and may recommend a biopsy for concerning areas. They'll also provide personalized advice about sun protection, self-examination techniques, and follow-up scheduling based on individual risk factors.
Taking Action: Making Skin Health a Priority
Given Australia's unique position as the skin cancer capital of the world, every Australian has a responsibility to prioritize their skin health. This means incorporating daily sun protection habits, conducting regular self-examinations, and scheduling professional skin checks as recommended.
Healthcare providers, including general practitioners, dermatologists, and specialized skin cancer clinics, are well-equipped to provide comprehensive skin examinations and treatment. Many bulk-billing options are available, removing financial barriers to regular skin checks.
The message is clear: skin cancer is largely preventable through proper sun protection, and when it does occur, early detection dramatically improves outcomes. By making skin health a priority, Australians can significantly reduce their risk of joining the sobering statistics that define our nation's relationship with skin cancer.
Regular skin checks, combined with comprehensive sun protection and awareness of warning signs, represent our best defence against Australia's most common cancer. The time to act is now; your skin and your life depend on it.