With National Skin Cancer Awareness Week coming up in November and the spring weather starting to warm up here in WA, now is a good time to consider getting your annual skin cancer check.
Skin cancer in Australia – the stats
Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, with an annual average of eight hours of sun per day, and skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year!
According to the Cancer Council of Australia, two in three Australian’s will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, two to three times that of Canada, the US and the UK.
Every year in Australia:
- Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed skin cancers
- GPs have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer
- More than 2,000 people die from skin cancer.
- Approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancer types per year are caused by occupational exposures.
What causes skin cancer?
Cancer is a disease of the cells that occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way and damage or invade the surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Skin cancer affects the body’s skin cells and is mainly caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas generally develop on the head, neck and upper body. They appear as a pearly lump or a scaly, dry area that is pale or pink in colour. Basal Cell Carcinomas tend to grow slowly and don’t usually spread to other parts of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma – usually appear on areas of the skin that are most often exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs. Squamous Cell Carcinomas often appear as a thickened, red, scaly lump and may look like a sore that hasn’t healed. They can grow quickly over several weeks or months and spread to other parts of the body.
- Melanoma – while it is the least common type of skin cancer, it is also the most serious. Melanomas are different to normal, healthy freckles and moles. They tend to have an irregular edge or surface and can be blotchy and black, brown, blue, red, white or light grey. Melanomas can grow quickly and become life threatening, spreading to other parts of the body.
While sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, other factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease include:
- The total number of moles you have.
- The number of atypical (dysplastic) naevi (moles) you have.
- Your skin, hair and eye colour. Those with fair skin, blue or green eyes and/or fair or red hair at greater risk.
- A depressed immune system.
- A family history of skin cancer.
The good news is that over 95% of skin cancers can be treated if found early. Getting an annual skin check is one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early.
What is a skin check?
Skin cancer checks involve a simple examination that is completely painless and normally takes no longer than 30 minutes.
When undergoing a skin check, it’s important to remove any makeup, artificial tanner, or nail polish before your appointment, so that your doctor has a clear, unobstructed view of your skin.
You should also do a quick self-check to make note of any particular areas of concern and advise your doctor of these during your appointment. That includes any suspicious spots under your underwear, genital areas are not routinely examined and will only be checked by the doctor if you request them to do so.
During the skin check, you will be required to undress down to your underwear, so that the doctor can do a full body examination. This will include a check of your head, face, neck, torso, legs, feet, toes, arms, hands and fingers, for any suspicious skin lesions or moles.
Your doctor will examine your skin using a dermatoscope – a special skin microscope that allows them to see beneath the skin. If any suspicious spot is identified, your doctor will make a note of it and may take a photograph to be recorded and analysed.
They may also take a biopsy – a simple and quick procedure where part or all of the suspect spot is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing – or refer you to a specialist for further examination and treatment.
Who should get a skin cancer check?
As skin cancer can affect anyone, it is recommended those aged 15 years or more who have had exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation should get regular skin checks.
Some people are at greater risk of developing skin cancer, including those who:
- have had skin cancer before, or have someone in their family who has had skin cancer
- have previously had bad sunburn
- have fair skin, light eyes, or red or fair hair
- have many moles on your skin
- spend a lot of time outdoors without sun protection or work outdoors
- have used solariums or sun lamps
- have a compromised immune system or are taking immunosuppression medicines
While the risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer during childhood is very low, a skin cancer check may be recommended for young children if:
- there is a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma. Having a family history of skin cancer increases your own risk of developing the disease, no matter how old you are.
- they have fair skin and a large number of moles. Having more than 100 moles puts children at higher-than-average risk for skin cancer.
How often should I get a skin cancer check?
In addition to regular self-checks, you should also see a doctor for a full-body skin examination at least once a year.
If you are at high-risk of skin cancer, your doctor may request that you have more frequent checks, depending on your risk factors.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Knowing your own skin and getting regular skin checks are the best ways to prevent skin cancer.
Make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything different or unusual, such as:
- A spot that is different from other spots on the skin.
- A spot, mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour.
- A sore that doesn’t heal.
- A spot that itches or bleeds.
- A spot that is painful or swollen.
In the case of melanomas, follow the ABCDE rule and look closely for:
- Asymmetry – where, if divided down the middle, the 2 halves of the spot are not a mirror image.
- Border – spots with uneven borders and irregular edges.
- Colour – spots with an unusual or uneven colour.
- Diameter – spots that are wider than 6mm.
- Evolving – where a spot or lesion has changed in size, shape, colour or texture over time.
Other simple measures you can take to prevent skin cancer include:
- Wearing protective clothing in the sun.
- Applying water-resistant SPF30 or higher sunscreen, at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours.
- Wearing a broad-brimmed, bucket, or legionnaire-style hat.
- Reducing outdoor time, particularly during the hottest part of the day, and staying in the shade when outdoors.
- Wearing sunglasses that comply with Australian and New Zealand standards.
Get your skin checked at IMC
Illawarra Medical Centre offers a comprehensive range of dermatology services, including skin cancer checks, mole screening and general screenings, as well as skin cancer surgery and management, minor surgery and dermatological surgery.
Our very own Dr Dhruva Ramachandra runs regular skin cancer and dermatology checks at our practice on Tuesday mornings.
*Please note that any skin related matters discussed during a standard consult with Dr Ramachandran will incur an additional private fee, including those for children under 16 years old.
To make an appointment for one of our Tuesday skin clinics with Dr Ramachandran, contact our Reception on (08) 9208 6400.
To make a booking with any of our GPs to discuss any health concerns you may have, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.
For more information on this topic, visit:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/skin-cancer-in-australia/summary
- Cancer Australia – https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/melanoma/what-melanoma
- Cancer Council – https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer
- Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/skin-cancer-and-melanomas
- Sun Smart – https://www.sunsmart.com.au
- The Australasian College of Dermatologists – https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/skin-cancer-overview/