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 ours, it’s important to stay vigilant of any changes to your moles, the appearance of new ones: look for signs of asymmetry, uneven borders, colour variance and growth. These can all be signs of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer. Check your skin across your entire body: remember that melanoma of the skin can appear in places that aren’t regularly exposed to the sun.
What to Do if You Notice Symptoms
Once you’ve noticed warning signs, it’s important that you get checked as soon as possible. Book in for a skin check to get peace of mind – you’ll be assessed by a fully qualified skin cancer specialist doctor, who can advise you on your best course of action.
A final note
Your skin is your biggest organ – protect it and check in with it regularly! In Australia, your skin cancer risk is automatically elevated: you can’t afford to miss the signs. Make skin checks a regular part of your health routine.
References
Queensland Health (2025).Sun Safety in Outdoor Settings.
Karimkhani C, Green AC, Nijsten T, Weinstock MA, Dellavalle RP, Naghavi M, Fitzmaurice C. The global burden of melanoma: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177(1): 134-40.
AIHW & AACR. Cancer in Australia: an overview 2012. Cancer series no. 74. Cat. no. CAN 70 (Supplementary Tables, Ch 6, Table D6.6). Canberra: AIHW, 2012.