What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that happens when skin cells are damaged. This may happen from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Skin cancer is common in Australia. This is why preventing skin cancer and finding it early is important. You can lower your risk by protecting your skin from the sun. It can save your life.

There are 3 main types of skin cancer. They are named after the type of skin cell where the cancer starts:

• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in the cells of your skin and can spread to other organs in your body.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are called non-melanoma skin cancers. These skin cancers are more common, but less likely to spread.

If you have skin cancer, you may not have any symptoms at first. Over time, you may see changes in how an area of your skin looks.

Should I be checked for skin cancer?

If you think you may have a risk of skin cancer, speak to your doctor and have a skin cancer check. Finding skin cancer early can improve your chances of successful treatment.

It is important to know your skin well so you can notice changes early. Your doctor can teach you or your caregiver how to notice any changes in your skin. Most melanomas are found by individuals or by their partners or other family members.

Look out for:

• crusty sores that don't heal
• changes to the colour, size, shape or thickness of moles and freckles over a few weeks or months
• new spots on your skin
• small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour

If you notice any of these, it's important to see your doctor.

Am I at risk of skin cancer?

Your risk of skin cancer gets higher as you get older. You may also be at higher risk if you:

• have had skin cancer before or someone in your family has had it
• have had bad sunburn in the past
• have fair skin, light-coloured eyes or red or fair hair
• have many moles on your skin
• spend a lot of time outdoors without sun protection or work outdoors
• have used solariums or sun lamps
• have a weakened immune system

You can use this online calculator to check your risk of melanoma. If you are at risk of melanoma, check your skin every 3 months and have a full skin check by your doctor every 6 months.

What happens during a skin cancer check?

During a skin cancer check, your doctor may:

• ask you questions about your moles, risk factors and medical history
• ask you to undress (you can leave your underwear on)
• check the skin all over your body, including your scalp, palms, soles, nails and inside your mouth
• look at any spots where you may have had skin cancer before to see if it has come back

Your doctor may use a special tool with a light and a magnifying lens to closely examine any suspicious spots. During your skin check, your doctor may also give you more information about skin health. They may explain how you can protect your skin and how to recognise skin cancer.

If they find a suspicious spot, they may remove it or take a small sample (biopsy) to test in a laboratory. They may also refer you to a specialist called a dermatologist.

Your doctor will explain the process of the skin cancer check before they start. You have the right to agree to or say no to any part of the check. This is called informed consent.

What happens after a skin cancer check?

After your skin check, your doctor will talk to you about the results.

• If you need a skin biopsy, your doctor will explain the process.
• If skin cancer is found, your doctor will discuss your treatment options.
• If nothing suspicious is found, ask your doctor when you should come back for your next skin check.

Read more about how to use the 'ABCDE' of skin cancer when checking your skin.

How can I get checked?

Speak to your doctor about checking your skin for skin cancer. Let them know about any spots or changes in your skin that are worrying you.

You are not advised to use a smartphone app to check for skin cancer. These apps are not accurate.

What does a skin cancer check cost?

If you have a Medicare card, part or all of the fees of your doctor's consultation may be covered.

If your doctor refers you to a specialist, ask the clinic about the fees and how much you might need to pay yourself.

How can I protect myself from skin cancer?

The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to use sun protection and check your skin regularly.

Here is how you can protect your skin:

• slip on clothing
• slop on sunscreen
• slap on a hat
• seek shade
• slide on sunglasses

Resources and support

For more information and support, try these resources:

• Call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with skin cancer.
• Download the SunSmart App for sun protection alerts, UV data, the weather forecast and a sunscreen calculator.
• Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) offers resources for people diagnosed with melanoma and their families.
• Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) offers support groups and resources for people affected by melanoma.

Other languages

• Call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 13 14 50 for skin cancer information through an interpreter.
• Cancer Council offers resources and fact sheets in several languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• Our mob and cancer has information about sun protection and skin cancer for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.