What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Between 95 and 99% of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to the sun.
Types of skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer
- basal cell carcinoma*
- squamous cell carcinoma*
*Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer.
For more information, take a look at Cancer types.
Early detection
The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
Check your skin regularly to pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for:
- any crusty, non-healing sores
- small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
- new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour).
If you notice any changes consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may perform a biopsy (remove a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope) or refer you to a specialist if he/she suspects a skin cancer.
More information about early detection is available in Cancer Council's position statement on Screening and early detection of skin cancer.
Treatment
Skin cancers are almost always removed. In more advanced skin cancers, some of the surrounding tissue may also be removed to make sure that all of the cancerous cells have been taken out.
Common skin cancers can be treated with ointments or radiation therapy. They can also be removed with surgery (usually under a local anaesthetic), cryotherapy (using liquid nitrogen to rapidly freeze the cancer off), curettage (scraping) or cautery (burning).
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced by our bodies when sunlight penetrates the skin. It is important for maintaining healthy muscles and bones.
For most people, adequate vitamin D levels are reached through regular daily activity and incidental exposure to the sun. As a guide, sufficient vitamin D is obtained by exposing your face, arms and hands to the sun:
- for a few minutes of sunlight on either side of the peak UV periods on most days of the week
- during winter in southern regions, where UV radiation is less intense - up to 2-3 hours over the period of a week
More information about vitamin D and sun exposure is available in Cancer Council's position statement on the Risks and benefits of sun exposure.
For more detailed information about skin cancer telephone The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or talk to your GP.