HEALTH SERVICES

There are three main types of skin cancer:
basalcell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer
Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, with more than 434,000 people treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia each year. Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer,* melanoma is the third most common cancer in both Australian women and men, and the most common cancer in Australians aged 15-44 years. In 2011, 11,570 Australians were diagnosed with melanoma.
Every year, in Australia:
skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers between 95 and 99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun GPs have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer the incidence of skin cancer is one of the highest in the world, two to three times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main environmental hazard. Direct damage to DNA and immune suppression contribute to a high risk of all forms of skin cancer in outdoor workers, particularly in shorter latitudes. Although considerable damage may occur in childhood, UV exposure throughout life is hazardous. Other factors responsible for occasional cases of skin cancer include exposure to arsenic, tar (smoking, occupational exposure and therapeutic coal tar), ionising radiation, chronic inflammation (lupus erythematosus, lichen planus etc) and thermal burns.

Immunosuppression results in a greater number of cancers and more aggressive tumours, most often observed in organ transplant patients on long term azathioprine and ciclosporin. Intermittent sunburn appears to be most important in the pathogenesis of BCC

Almost all of us have moles. Moles are not normally present at birth, but appear in childhood and early teenage years. By the age of 15, Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles.
Normal moles usually look alike. See your doctor if a mole looks different or if a new mole appears after the age of 25. The more moles a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma.
Harmless coloured spots that range from 1mm to 10mm. Uniform in shape and even coloured. May be raised. The more moles or freckles you have the higher your risk of skin cancer. May have uneven borders and multiple colours like brown and black. Observe moles carefully for any sign of change. Although you may notice one or more skin changes, it does not necessarily mean that you have skin cancer, however it is important that you visit your GP to have them investigated further. Your GP can discuss your skin cancer risk and advise you on your need for medical checks or self-examination. It can be difficult to know whether something on your skin is a harmless mole or normal sun damage, or a sign of cancer. When in doubt, speak to your GP. .