Prevention is the cure for skin cancer
SLIP - on Ultraviolet Protective CLothing (UPF) clothing where appropriate
SLOP - on Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - Nothing less than SPF 30+
SLAP - on a Wide Brimmed Hat or Hats with covering flaps
SEEK - shade from infrastructure or trees
SLIDE - on correct Eye Protection Factor (EPF) sunglasses
SKIN CHECKS - visit your GP, Skin specialist or dermatologist annually or as recommended by your health professional
SPREAD THE WORD - by speaking to family, friends, work colleagues and the community
Skin Cancer occurs when the cells within the skin are damaged. This damage is almost always caused by exposure to the sun and its associated dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These cancerous cells are often aggressive, invasive and potentially metastatic – meaning it can spread to other parts of the body. The early detection and removal of skin cancers significantly improves recovery time and survival rates.
Background
Types of Skin Cancer
There are two main classifications of skin cancer:
Melanoma – the most dangerous and deadly form, which begins in the skin and can spread to other major organs of the body.
Non Melanoma – less dangerous but still requires early treatment.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - accounts for 70% of cases
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – accounts for the remaining 30% of cases.
An Australian dies every 5 hours from Melanoma.
Around 2 in 3 Australians will develop some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.
The annual cost to medicare for treating skin cancer amasses to $9.51 Billion.
It can take just 15 minutes to burn in High UV Levels.
Fast Facts
What to Look For
Since early detection of skin cancer is extremely important, it is important to keep your eye out for a few key things regarding your skin:
Sore - A spot which is itchy, bleeding or tender and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks.
Changing - in size, shape, colour or texture.
Abnormal - Looks different or stands out when compared to your other spots.
New - Has appeared recently
It is essential to keep track of how your moles and marks look currently to be able to notice a change over time. It is recommended to have yearly skin checks with a health care professional.
In order to minimise your risk of developing skin cancer, it is advised to protect yourself from dangerous sun exposure. An easy way to remember this is by following:
Prevention
Know Your Risk
Do you need to find an accredited doctor in your area?
Are you at risk of skin cancer?
This simple guide has been developed by doctors and researchers so you can quickly calculate your skin cancer risk and recognise the early signs of skin cancer.
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN SKIN?
Your skin is your largest organ. It is your first line of defence against damaging sunlight, unsafe chemicals, extreme temperatures, harmful bacteria and other bugs you encounter every minute of every day. Yet most Australians don't even know that their skin is an organ. They don't know how important a role it plays in keeping their bodies healthy and looking well.
Know Your Own Skin is a campaign designed to help you do just that – get to know your own skin. The website features lots of useful information, advice and tools that will help you get to know your own skin, check it regularly and take better care of it. Know Your Own Skin has been created for the Australian public by leading Australian health care professionals, all of whom have a genuine interest in the health of your skin.
Seeing Sun Damage
Sources:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. ACIM (Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality) Books. Canberra: AIHW.
Armstrong BK. How sun exposure causes skin cancer: An epidemiological perspective. In: Hill D., Elwood J. M. and English D. R. (Eds). Prevention of Skin Cancer. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2004, pp. 89-116.
Australian Government. (2017). Skin Cancer. Retrieved from Cancer Australia: https://canceraustralia.gov.au/
Melanoma Institute Australia. (2017). How do I check myself for melanoma. Retrieved from Melanoma Institute Australia: https://www.melanoma.org.au/preventing-melanoma/how-do-i-check-myself-for-melanoma/
Medical Information Disclaimer:
Our website contains general medical information.The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied.Without limiting the scope of the previous sentence, we do not warrant or represent that the medical information on this website: (a) will be constantly available, or available at all; or
(b) is true, accurate, complete, current or non-misleading.
You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.
What is Skin Cancer?
Quick Links
Know your daily UV levels
