Australia is sometimes referred to as ‘the skin cancer capital of the world’ – it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst Australians and is heavily associated with our warm, sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle. Read on to understand just how prevalent skin cancer can be, and to understand the best strategies for minimising your risk. At a glance No time to read through? Here’s what you need to know. There are three main kinds of skin cancers, with melanoma being the deadliest Living in Australia alone is a risk factor for skin cancer – it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer nationwide Understanding the UV levels, minimising your exposure, and making skin checks a priority is your best protection 1. Skin Cancer Overview What is Skin Cancer? Simply put, skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This uncontrolled growth is often caused by unrepaired damage to their DNA that results in mutations and rapid multiplication. The most common cause of this damage is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, predominantly from the sun. UV tanning beds, too, can cause this kind of damage – although these are now banned in all states in territories of Australia (except the Northern Territory). 2. The Types of Skin Cancer There are three main types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma of the skin (commonly known as ‘melanoma’). We’ll give an overview of each of these cancer types, along with their possible symptoms, treatment options, and prevalence in the Australian population. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and is generally considered to be the ‘least dangerous’ skin cancer. It originates in the basal cells – the cells responsible for dividing to create new cells in the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis. It appears as a red lump or a ‘scaly’ area, often on the face, head, or neck or other areas that get plenty of sun. They tend to be slow-growing and have a lower tendency to spread to the rest of the body. It’s most commonly treated with minor surgery to remove the cancer and the tissue around it. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) This is the second-most-common skin cancer type, typically appearing as a red scaly patch of skin, often scabbing, itching, or bleeding. It originates in the squamous cells, which are also part of the epidermis but further up: they’re found in the uppermost layers of the epidermis. Like BCCs, SCCs are most commonly found on parts of the body that get heavy sun exposure. It’s also usually treated with minor surgery. Melanoma of the skin Melanoma of the skin (or just ‘melanoma’ in common terms) is known for being the most deadly form of skin cancer, as it generally grows the fastest and has the potential to spread to any organ in the body. It’s often identified as a mark on the skin. It often appears as a new spot or mole, or a change in an existing spot/mole. It’s important to note, as well, that these can appear on skin that’s not usually exposed to the sun, sometimes in places that are almost always covered. 3. Skin Cancer Incidence Rates in Australia National Prevalence of Skin Cancer Skin cancer is extremely common in Australia, and as a nation, we have one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world (Karimkhani et al, 2015). It’s estimated that 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. Certain states, however, are at greater risk. Past state-based research has indicated that Queensland has the highest age-standardised incidence of skin cancers in the nation (AIHW & AACR, 2012). Skin Cancer Rates Across States Skin cancer rates differ across states, generally explained by their proximity to the equator. This is generally why Queensland’s rate is higher than New South Wales’, and New South Wales’ is higher than Victoria’s and Tasmania’s. Risk Factors of Skin Cancer UV Exposure The primary risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation, and this usually comes in the form of sun exposure. So, how do you know when you’re getting safe sun exposure, and when you’re putting yourself at risk? In terms of exposure to UV radiation, you can look to the UV index on a given day – you can find this by consulting weather apps on your smartphone, including the Bureau of Meteorology app. UV Index Classification Minimum Protection Recommended 0-2 Low No/ low protection required 3-5 Moderate Sunscreen, hat, covered clothing, sunglasses. Seek shade. 6-7 High Sunscreen, hat, covered clothing, sunglasses. Seek shade. 8-10 Very High Extra protection is essential – seek shade wherever possible and stay indoors if possible. 11+ Extreme Avoid sun exposure entirely – stay indoors Geographical and Demographic Factors Queensland’s UV index can be high year-round, even in Winter. On an average Winter day, you can still expect a UV index of 3 or higher. A UV index over 3 can result in skin damage, leading to skin cancer, after only 10 minutes of exposure (Queensland Health, 2025). Just by living in Queensland, your risk can be substantially elevated. But that’s not the only risk factor – there are plenty of other risk factors to be aware of, including: Family history of skin cancer Fair skin and light eyes Gender – men are more likely to experience skin cancer in their lifetime Lifetime exposure to sun and previous history of sunburns or solarium use Sun Safety Tip: Living in Queensland, most people are familiar with the old ‘slip, slop, slap’ rule. But avoiding prolonged sun exposure even on cloudy days, seeking the shade whenever possible, and avoiding being outdoors during peak UV periods are also a big help in lowering your skin cancer risk. Early Detection and Prevention Skin Checks and Regular Monitoring Early detection is essential. Make regular skin checks part of your health routine. Whether this is self-monitoring, or attending a clinic like

Moles can develop at any stage of life due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics and should be monitored for any changes.

It’s so important to always put our health first, but it’s easy to get stuck in the trap of waiting until you notice a problem before getting it checked out. When it comes to skin cancer, a regular skin check is one of the best preventive measures you can take. Skin cancer, including melanoma, can develop quickly and silently, making early detection essential in providing the best chance for effective treatment. Regular skin checks offer a proactive way to stay ahead of potential issues, ensuring any abnormalities are detected and addressed early on. Prevention and early diagnosis can save lives. Why Skin Checks are Important Did you know? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia, with over two-thirds of Australians diagnosed in their lifetime. There are three main types of skin cancer and each one varies in terms of aggressiveness and treatment outcomes: Melanoma accounts for only about 1-2% of cases, but it is the most dangerous. It often develops in existing moles or as a new dark spot on the skin. The five-year survival rate for melanoma is over 90% when detected early, but it drops significantly if the cancer has spread. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, but it’s also the least aggressive. BCCs usually appear as small, shiny bumps or patches on the skin. Although BCC grows slowly, it can still cause plenty of damage if left untreated. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer and often appears as scaly, red patches or open sores. With early detection, most cases of SCC can be treated successfully. Early Detection Saves Lives If you’re ever on the fence and wondering whether it’s worth getting a new spot checked out, just remember, early detection saves lives. When skin cancer is caught in its early stages, it can often be treated with minimal intervention, such as a simple excision, which leaves little to no scarring. Later-stage skin cancer often requires more invasive treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Studies show that the survival rate for melanoma, for example, is above 90% when caught early, but this drops dramatically as the cancer progresses. Self-Examination vs. Professional Skin Checks It’s good to be aware of your skin and to do regular checks for any changes. By standing in front of a full-length mirror, you can spot new moles or changes to existing spots. This self-examination is an important first step in skin cancer prevention, but it’s not enough on its own. It works alongside a professional skin check, allowing you to become familiar with your skin. However, skin cancer can develop in areas that are hard to see on your own, such as your scalp, back, or behind the ears. Along with this, subtle changes in moles or lesions may go unnoticed by untrained eyes. A professional skin check, performed by an experienced doctor, involves a thorough examination using specialised equipment like dermatoscopes, which provide a magnified view of your skin. This technology allows the doctor to detect abnormalities that might not be visible during a self-check. With regular professional exams, any suspicious areas are closely monitored, and early intervention is possible. Factors that Influence How Often You Should Get a Skin Check Knowing how often you need to get a skin cancer check is half the battle. A yearly check is a general recommendation for most adults, however, some people may need more frequent visits due to different risk factors. Personal and Family History of Skin Cancer If you have had skin cancer in the past, it is important to have regular skin checks every 3 to 6 months. Skin cancer survivors are at a higher risk of recurrence, and early detection of any new lesions is essential for successful treatment. Similarly, a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, increases your risk. Your doctor may recommend you visit more regularly than once a year. Skin Type and Features Your skin type can play a role in your risk of skin cancer. People with fair skin, freckles, and light hair or light eyes are more susceptible to sun damage, putting them at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Those with multiple moles, especially if they are large or atypical, also need to be particularly vigilant. Geographic Location and UV Exposure If you live in areas with high levels of UV radiation, like Australia, your risk of skin cancer is much higher. While sun protection and making sure you cover up when outdoors is your best bet, it’s just as important to follow up with a whole-body skin check. Those who work outdoors in the harsh Australian sun, such as those in construction, landscaping, or farming, are exposed to the sun for extended periods and should be extra cautious, perhaps going for checks more often than once a year. Age Age is another significant factor, as the risk of skin cancer increases as we grow older. In fact, most skin cancers appear after the age of 50, but the damage leading to these cancers can occur much earlier. As a result, older adults should consider more frequent skin checks. Immunocompromised Individuals People with a weakened immune system, such as those who have undergone organ transplants, are receiving treatment for HIV, or are taking immunosuppressive medications, are at a much higher risk of developing skin cancer. Their immune systems are less able to repair the damage caused by UV radiation, leading to a greater chance of cancer. A professional skin cancer check every 3 to 6 months is strongly recommended to catch any changes early. General Guidelines for Skin Checks Annual Skin Check For most adults, a yearly skin check at a skin cancer clinic is needed. A dermatologist can carry out a full skin check to spot any signs of skin cancer, giving you peace of mind or taking action straight away so any suspicious moles can be successfully treated. High-Risk Individuals If you fall into