Skin cancer: early detection
The earlier a skin cancer is detected, the better the chance of successful treatment. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), the least dangerous and most common of the skin cancers, are successfully treated in almost all cases. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) — which are not as dangerous as melanoma but can spread to other parts of the body if not treated — are also successfully treated in almost 100 per cent of cases. Melanoma can be fatal, although more than 90 per cent of people who have a melanoma treated will still be alive after 5 years.
Skin cancers usually do not cause discomfort and are best picked up by regularly looking at the skin rather than just by feel. A regular skin self-examination aims to pick up any changes early.
Be on the lookout for:
- any new spot or unusual freckle, mole or sunspot;
- a non-healing or crusty sore;
- a small lump that is red, pale or pearly;
- a spot that looks different from other spots around it;
- a persisting itch in a mole; or
- a spot that has changed colour, size or shape over a few weeks or months.
Consult your doctor if you have any of these signs. Skin cancers that are detected at an early stage are the most easily treated.
Last Reviewed: 19 October 2011
- 1. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Protecting yourself in five ways from skin cancer. Key statistics (updated 8 Jun 2011). http://www.skincancer.gov.au/internet/skincancer/publishing.nsf/Content/fact-2 (accessed Oct 2011).
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer in Australia: an overview 2010. Canberra: AIHW; 2010. Cat no. 56. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442472459 (accessed Oct 2011).
3. Cancer Council Australia. About skin cancer (updated 21 Jun 2011). http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Aboutskincancer.htm (accessed Oct 2011).
4. Australasian College of Dermatologists. A-Z of skin: how to check your skin and moles (last modified 1 Oct 2004). http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/a-z_of_skin-how_to_check_your_skin_moles.asp (accessed Oct 2011).
