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Skin cancer and melanoma

14-minute read

Key facts

  • Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, usually from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
  • The 3 main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma — melanoma is the most dangerous type.
  • Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in older people, people with fair or freckled skin and those with a family history.
  • There are several ways to treat skin cancer, depending on the type, its size and location, and whether it has spread.
  • Most skin cancers are successfully treated — especially if you find them early.

What is skin cancer and melanoma?

Skin cancer is a disease that occurs when your skin cells grow abnormally, usually from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

This uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells forms a tumour in the skin. Tumours are either benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous tumours that can spread through the body, causing damage).

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer: each year, more than 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with a melanoma and over a million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are treated. Skin cancer is mostly preventable, and there are effective treatment options available.

Skin cancers are named according to the cells in which they form. There are 3 main types:

BCC and SCC are also called non-melanoma skin cancers. About 2 in 3 non-melanoma skin cancers are BCC, and around 1 in 3 are SCC. There are other types of non-melanoma skin cancers, but they are rare.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancers first appear as a spot, lump or scaly area on the skin, or a mole that changes colour, size or shape over several weeks or months. These changes can appear anywhere on the body, particularly areas frequently exposed to the sun. Skin cancers may bleed and become inflamed, and can be tender to the touch.

There are certain characteristics to look for in spots and moles. Remember the 'ABCDE' of skin cancer when checking your skin:

Changes may include a spot or lump that grows quickly and is thick, red, scaly or crusted, or an area that is:

See your doctor if you notice any new spots or an existing spot that changes size, shape or colour over several weeks or months. Your doctor can help you distinguish between a harmless spot such as a mole, and a sunspot (actinic keratosis) or irregular mole (dysplastic naevus) that could develop later into skin cancer.

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What causes skin cancer?

Almost all skin cancers in Australia are caused by too much exposure to UV radiation. This is the part of sunlight that causes tanning, sunburn and skin damage over time. UV radiation also comes from non-natural sources such as sun beds (solariums).

While anyone can get skin cancer, it gets more common as you get older. The risk is also higher if you have:

If you have olive or dark skin, your skin produces more melanin, which protects to some extent against UV radiation. However, it’s still possible for you to develop skin cancer.

When should I see my doctor?

It’s important to check your own skin regularly to find any new or changing spots.

See your doctor or dermatologist straight away if you notice any changes to your skin, such as:

See the 'ABCDE' of skin cancer, above.

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How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Your doctor or dermatologist will ask about your symptoms and family history. They will then conduct a physical examination by looking at your skin to identify any suspicious spots using a dermatoscope (a magnifying glass for the skin).

It’s not always possible to tell from looking at it whether a spot or lump is cancerous or not. Your doctor or dermatologist may take a skin biopsy to help with a diagnosis. This is where a part or all of your spot is removed and sent for further study under a microscope.

Some smartphone apps allow you to photograph your skin and compare photos over time. While they can be a good reminder to check your skin and record details, they shouldn’t replace a visit to the doctor. See a doctor if you’re concerned about any spots or moles on your skin.

Diagnosing melanoma

If your doctor suspects melanoma, a biopsy will be taken. Your doctor may also check nearby lymph nodes.. The samples are then sent for testing to check if your spot is a melanoma.

Melanomas are graded according to how far they have spread throughout the body.

How is skin cancer treated?

Skin cancer treatment depends on the type, its size and location and whether it has spread elsewhere. Most skin cancers are successfully treated — especially if detected early.

Surgical treatments

Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. Some cancers are completely removed during the biopsy. If cancer cells are found at the margin (edges of the sample removed), you may need further treatment. Large skin cancers may require a skin graft to cover the wound.

Most basic skin cancer surgeries can be performed by your doctor. When removing a suspected cancer, your doctor will also cut out some nearby skin (the margin) for testing.. If they discover cancer cells in the margin, you may need further surgery or radiation therapy.

For cancers in areas hard to manage surgically (such as near the eyes, nose, lips or ears), a technique called Mohs surgery (microscopically controlled excision) may be used.

Other surgical methods include curettage (removal of tissue with a spoon shaped instrument with a sharp edge) and electrodessication (cautery — burning to remove tissue). These methods are usually performed by a dermatologist.

Other treatments

Are there complications of skin cancer treatment?

Most skin cancer treatments involve some localised damage to surrounding healthy skin such as swelling, reddening or blistering of the skin where the cancer is removed. Your doctor will explain any specific risks, which may include:

It’s best to manage complications as early as possible, so ask your doctor or other members of your health team for advice.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Can skin cancer be prevented?

Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. Making sun protection a part of your life, avoiding sunburn, and checking your skin regularly will help prevent further damage to your skin.

Protect your skin from UV radiation and help prevent skin cancer by following these steps:

  • Slip on sun-protective clothing: cover your shoulders, neck, arms, legs and body.
  • Slop on sunscreen that’s rated SPF 30+ or higher, broad-spectrum and water resistant.
  • Slap on a hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
  • Seek shade under trees, umbrellas and buildings from direct sunlight and reflective surfaces.
  • Slide on sunglasses that wrap around your face to protect your eyes and surrounding skin.
  • Stay away from sun lamps, solariums or sunbeds, because they have dangerous levels of UV radiation.
View this information in a poster: Sun protection.

UV radiation from the sun varies depending on time of day, season, where you live and cloud coverage. Protect your skin whenever UV Index levels are above 3. Use Cancer Council Australia’s free SunSmart app to check the UV Index for your area any time.

While using fake tanning cream isn’t harmful to your skin, it offers no protection from UV radiation. You still need to protect yourself from the sun.

Isn’t sun exposure important to ensure I get enough vitamin D?

Most Australians will get enough vitamin D even with sun protection at UV level 3 or above. Babies and children should be protected from the sun, since they are particularly vulnerable to UV radiation harm.

If the UV level is below 3, you should spend some time outside in the middle of the day to help your body produce enough vitamin D.

Some people are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency:

If you are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your doctor, who may recommend a supplement.

Resources and support

It can be a shock to find out you have skin cancer. If you feel anxious, frustrated or upset about how skin cancer may be affecting your life, talk to your doctor or a friend you trust for support.

For more information and support, try these resources:

Got a question about COVID-19 and cancer? Check out this FAQ page from Cancer Council Australia..

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