Skin cancer
Skin cancer is a condition where the cells in the outermost skin layer (epidermis) grow abnormally. The biggest risk factor for skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light – which comes from the sun. Therefore, most skin cancers are found on areas of the body exposed to sunlight. However, they can also occur in places that aren’t exposed to the sun.
In Australia, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer accounting for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.1Australia has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the world — two to three times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK.
Fortunately, skin cancer is mostly preventable.
Spot check
A regular spot check is an important part of protecting yourself against skin cancer. During your spot check, your Pharmacist will take images of 1-3 concerning spots, and send these to a skin cancer doctor for evaluation. Following this, the doctor will email you the report within 48 hours.
Book a spot check
Types of skin cancer
There are three types of skin cancer which are named according to the type of cells in which they form.
Basal cell carcinoma(BCC) - The most common form of skin cancer but the least dangerous. It is slow growing and starts in the lower part of the epidermis. These cancers rarely spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. However, they can grow into the surrounding tissue.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - These cancers start in the flat cells in the top layer of your epidermis. SCC can also start in the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. They can grow quickly and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Melanoma - This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer which starts in the melanocytes (cells that give your skin its colour). Melanoma can develop over weeks or months. While it’s the rarest type of skin cancer it can spread quickly throughout the body. More than 13,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year in Australia.
What does skin cancer look like?
The first sign of skin cancer is usually a noticeable change in the appearance of your skin. This could include:
a spot that looks different than it used to be
a section of skin that appears red, scaly, or thickened.
a new or unusual-looking mole, freckle or sore
a spot, mole or freckle that has changed in colour, shape or size, or has become itchy or bleeds
a spot that has borders that are uneven or notched.
The appearance of skin cancer can depend on the type of skin cancer it is.
For example:
BCC can look red, pale, or pearly in colour and appear as a lump or flat patch of pink skin
SCC may look like a thickened, red scaly spot that can bleed easily. It may also crust or look like a sore.
Melanoma can appear as a new spot, or as an existing mole or freckle that changes colour and size.
What are the causes of skin cancer?
Almost all skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation, which comes from the sun. UV radiation damages the cells of our skin and with each exposure, the damage becomes worse. This is how skin cancer occurs.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk increases as you age.
Other risk factors for skin cancer include:
a family history of skin cancer, or having it previously yourself
fair or freckled skin
red or fair hair, and light-coloured eyes
moles, freckles, or sunspots
a weakened immune system
using solariums or tanning beds.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
Skin cancer is usually diagnosed by a health professional such as a general practitioner (doctor) or dermatologist (skin specialist). Diagnosis may be done via a skin examination or a biopsy. A biopsy is where a sample of the tissue is taken so it can be examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous.
How do you treat skin cancer?
The most common treatment for skin cancer is surgical removal. If the skin cancer is detected early, this involves removing the cancer under a local anaesthetic. In more advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove some of the surrounding tissue to ensure all the cancer is removed.
Sometimes skin cancer can be treated with:
ointments
radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
cryotherapy (using liquid nitrogen to freeze it off)
curettage (scraping the cancer)
cautery (burning off the cancer).
What happens if you don’t treat skin cancer?
The earlier a skin cancer is found, the more effective your treatment will be. About 95% of skin cancers are treatable if found early.
If skin cancer is not treated, it can spread into surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. In the case of serious skin cancer such as melanoma, this can lead to potential disfigurement because of surgery. Some people may even die.
How to check for skin cancer?
It’s important to know your skin so you can notice any changes as soon as possible. Currently, there is no set guideline for how often you should check your skin, but you should do it regularly.
The Cancer Council recommends you:
Use a room with good light
Undress completely
Use a full-length mirror to check your whole body
Use a handheld mirror to check areas that are hard to see, or ask someone to help you
Check your whole body, not just areas exposed to the sun.
Check your:- face and scalp- neck and shoulders- front and back of your arms, including armpits- front and back of hands, including between your fingers and under your fingernails- front and back of legs- tops and soles of your feet, and between your toes.
Take note of:
spots that look or feel different from other spots
spots that have changed in colour, texture, size or shape
sores that don’t heal after a couple of weeks
sores that are itchy or bleed.
It’s recommended you use the ABCDE guidelines when checking for melanoma.
Asymmetry- Are the halves of each mole different?
Borders- Are the edges uneven, notched or scalloped?
Colour- Are there different colour patches?
Diameter- Is the spot greater than 6mm across, or is it smaller but growing?
Evolving- Has the spot changed in any way?
When should you see your doctor?
It’s important to visit your doctor or dermatologist if you notice any new changes to your skin.
You should also talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your risk for skin cancer. They will be able to advise whether you should undergo more regular and formal skin checks with a skin specialist.
Can you prevent skin cancer?
The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting your skin from UV radiation.
When the UV level is 3 or above, it’s recommended you:
Slip – Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers your skin.
Slop – Slop on a broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF30+ sunscreen. You should apply this 20 minutes before heading outside and every two hours after that.
Slap – Slap on a hat.
Seek – Seek shade where possible.
Slide – Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian standards.
You can find the UV index on the weather page of all Australian daily newspapers and the Bureau of Meteorology website. The free SunSmart app is also a great way to check the UV index when you’re out and about.
Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. We can provide advice on the right sun protection products for you and your family. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Visit your nearest pharmacy