1 in 2 Australians will develop a skin cancer in their lifetime. The vast majority are sun related, particularly sun burn during childhood. Individuals with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and green or blue eyes are most at risk.

Most skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC). Although Melanomas are less common, they cause about 1000 deaths annually. Fortunately, early Melanomas have cure rates between 98% and 100%. Melanoma is the most common cancer in the 18 - 45 year age group. The incidence of Melanoma has been increasing over the last 10 years.

The World Health Organisation recommends Australians be checked annually for skin cancer, in particular individuals with fair complexion or a family or personal history of skin cancer.

Adequate clothing and hats should be used as primary protection from the sun and sunscreens with SPF 15+ or more should be used as secondary protection. You should avoid the sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm.

Skin cancer detection tips
Make it a habit to examine over your skin every 3 months and check for:
- A spot that just doesn’t look like any other spot on your body - a so called “ugly duckling”
- A spot that is changing (in size, shape, colour or texture)
- A spot that is tender or recurrently bleeds, gets crusty or heals then breaks down again
- A spot that is elevated, firm and growing – these can be the more aggressive types of melanoma