About Skin Cancer

There are three forms of skin cancer, and most are relative to the amount of sunlight to which we are exposed.

The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma, because it can spread to other parts of the body. However, if is detected soon after if first develops, it is curable by simple surgical excision. Each year, over 5000 cases of melanoma are reported in Australia alone and up to 1000 Australians will die of this disease.

The most common form of skin cancer in Australia is basal cell carcinoma, of which 125,000 new cases are reported each year. This very rarely spreads to other organs but if left undetected, will continue to grow, usually slowly, and may invade the underlying tissues. Again, this tumour is curable by surgery or radiotherapy.

The third type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma which often develops from a solar keratosis or sunspot. If not treated early, these may spread to other parts of the body, but are again curable before that occurs by surgery or radiotherapy. 20,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma are reported annually.

Much sunlight damage starts early in life - so hats, shirts, sunglasses, shade and sunscreens are essential protection for children and young adults. People with sun-sensitive skin - those who burn and freckle easily - are more likely to get all forms of skin cancer, and must be more careful to check their skin regularly.