Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, usually as a result of sunburn. Australians get more skin cancer than people anywhere else in the world. About half of all Australians will get at least one skin cancer throughout their lifetime. About 1 in 16 Australians will get a melanoma skin cancer.

Having a regular skin check helps detect skin cancer early. Dermatologists diagnose skin cancers earlier and more accurately, reducing unnecessary costs & scarring from unnecessary treatments.

There are many treatments for skin cancer. As Dermatologists, we have specialist experience with all medically recognised forms of skin cancer treatment. They will provide advice about which treatment option best suits dependent on for example--

• what type of skin cancer you have.
• where on the body the skin cancer is.
• what you expect in terms of cure & scarring.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer
• basal cell carcinoma* (BCC)
• squamous cell carcinoma* (SCC)

*Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer.
For more information, take a look at cancer types.

The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death

We encourage you to keep a regular eye on your own skin, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for:

• any crusty, non-healing sores
• any spot that bleeds repeatedly when irritated or knocked, for longer than a few weeks
• new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour).

Any spot that changes, in particular if it doesn't look like any other spot on your body, should be brought to the attention of a doctor. For more information, take a look at: screening and early detection of skin cancer.