Skin Cancer Brochure

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, caused by DNA damage. This damage leads the cells in the skin to multiply rapidly and form malignant (cancerous) tumours.

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which are also known as non-melanoma skin cancer or keratinocyte cancer. Keratinocyte cancer is more common in men, with almost double the incidence compared with women.

Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC but is the most serious form of skin cancer and can grow very quickly if left untreated. It can spread to the lower part of the skin (dermis), enter the lymphatic system or bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body (e.g. lungs, liver, brain or bone).

Melanoma

• May have irregular edges, one half bigger than the other, an uneven colour.

• Can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.

Nodular Melanoma

• Grows quickly.

• Raised and even colour ranging from pink or red, to brown or black.

• Firm, dome-shaped, may bleed or crust.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Red, pale or pearly colour that can be a lump or dry, scaly patch.

• Can ulcerate, bleed and fail to heal.

What causes skin cancer?

The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight. It's not just sun burn that's a concern; cumulative UV exposure starting in childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanomas on skin not exposed to the sun.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Thickened, red scaly spots that bleed easily, crust or ulcerate.

• More common in people over 50 years.

Melanoma is rarer than SCC and BCC, but it is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Early diagnosis is associated with better outcomes.

Check your skin regularly

• Many skin cancers are found by people themselves or family/friends.

• To check your skin, undress completely in good lighting.

• Examine all of your skin, not just the sun exposed areas.

• Use a full-length mirror to check your back, legs and scalp – if you cannot see these areas well, ask a family member to assist you (or ask your GP for a skin check)

• Find a sequence that works for you and do this routinely (every 3 – 6 months)

What to look for?

A symmetry

One half is different to the other

B order

Irregular, notched or blurry

C olour

More than one colour

D iameter

Larger than 5mm (1/4 inch)

When to see your doctor?

• A skin spot that is new/growing

• A skin spot that is different to any others (the ugly duckling)

• A mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour

• Any spot that has unexpectedly bled

• An inflamed spot or sore that has not healed in 3 – 4 weeks

Face and scalp

Neck and shoulders

Chest, stomach, and back

Front and back of arms, including armpits

Beneath underwear

Front and back of hands, between fingers and under the fingernails

Legs

Between toes and on soles of feet

Melanoma can occur on skin that has never seen the sun. Remember to check soles of feet, between toes, scalp and beneath underwear.

Sun smart practices

Protect

yourself from skin cancer in FIVE WAYS .

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the invisible killer that you can’t see or feel. UV radiation can be high even on cool and overcast days. This means you can’t rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine if sun protection is needed.

The UV index is reported daily by the Bureau of Meteorology. If the reading is above 3, sun protection should be worn.

Almost 2 in every 3 Australians will be diagnosed with a skin cancer by the age of 70.

Our other services

Mobile Screening provides a range of onsite services for workplaces across Australia.

phone 1300 84 84 80 visit mobilescreening.com.au

Australia-wide workplace screening

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