Question 1

What does skin cancer look like?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer can appear in many forms, depending on the type. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) may present as a firm red nodule, a flat lesion with a scaly or crusted surface, or a new sore or raised area on an old scar. Melanoma can develop as a new unusual-looking mole or a change in an existing mole. Use the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, Evolving size/shape/color.

Question 2

Does skin cancer itch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, skin cancer can sometimes itch, but not always. Itching, tenderness, or pain can occur with basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Melanomas may also itch, but many skin cancers have no symptoms at all in early stages. Never rely on itching alone as an indicator—any new or changing spot should be examined by a doctor, regardless of whether it itches.

Question 3

What causes skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause cancer. Risk factors include excessive sun exposure (especially sunburns in childhood), fair skin, light hair and light-colored eyes, family history of skin cancer, many moles or atypical moles, weakened immune system, and living in high UV areas. Australia has some of the highest UV levels globally.

Question 4

Can you die from skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, skin cancer can be deadly, particularly melanoma. In Australia, melanoma is the 4th most common cancer and causes more deaths than road accidents. Over 1,300 Australians die from melanoma each year. When detected early, melanoma has a 95%+ five-year survival rate. Advanced melanoma that has spread to other organs is much harder to treat. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are less likely to be fatal but can cause significant disfigurement if left untreated.

Question 5

What are the early signs of skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Early warning signs include: a new growth or sore that doesn't heal within 4 weeks, a spot, mole, or freckle that changes in size, shape, or color, a sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, or bleed, a mole that becomes raised or develops an irregular border, and any unusual skin change that persists. Check your skin regularly and see a doctor for any suspicious changes.

Question 6

How serious is basal cell skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body (metastasizes), but it can grow larger and invade surrounding tissue if left untreated, cause disfigurement especially on the face, and recur after treatment in some cases. BCC is highly treatable when caught early. Treatment options include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, and topical medications.

Question 7

What is skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. It occurs when DNA damage (often from UV radiation) triggers mutations that cause skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. There are three main types: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - most common, least dangerous; Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - second most common, can spread if untreated; and Melanoma - most dangerous, can spread quickly to other organs. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed by age 70.

Question 8

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer is diagnosed through visual examination by a doctor or dermatologist, dermoscopy (a special magnifying device examines the skin in detail), biopsy (a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope), and imaging tests for advanced cases (CT or PET scans may check if cancer has spread). Early detection through regular skin checks dramatically improves treatment outcomes.

Question 9

Is melanoma always black?

Accepted Answer

No, melanoma is not always black. While many melanomas are dark brown or black, they can also be pink, red, or flesh-colored, white or colorless (amelanotic melanoma), blue or purple, or multi-colored with shades of brown, tan, black, red, or blue. Any new or changing spot should be evaluated, regardless of color. Amelanotic melanomas are particularly dangerous because they're often overlooked.

Question 10

How can I prevent skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

The 5 steps of sun safety are: Slip on sun-protective clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Seek shade especially between 10am-4pm, and Slide on sunglasses. Additional prevention includes avoiding tanning beds completely, performing regular self-skin checks, getting professional skin checks annually (more often if high risk), and protecting children from sunburn as childhood sun exposure significantly increases lifetime risk.

Question 11

How fast does skin cancer grow?

Accepted Answer

Growth rates vary by type. Basal Cell Carcinoma grows slowly over months to years. Squamous Cell Carcinoma grows faster than BCC, over weeks to months. Melanoma can grow rapidly, sometimes within weeks, especially aggressive subtypes like nodular melanoma. Any rapidly changing spot should be examined immediately. Don't wait for your annual check if you notice concerning changes.

Question 12

Can skin cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it depends on the type. Basal Cell Carcinoma rarely spreads (metastasizes), but can invade nearby tissue. Squamous Cell Carcinoma can spread to lymph nodes and other organs if left untreated, especially in high-risk locations (ears, lips, genitals). Melanoma is most likely to spread and can metastasize to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones. Early detection and treatment dramatically reduce the risk of spread.

Question 13

What is the ABCDE rule for melanoma?

Accepted Answer

The ABCDE rule helps identify suspicious moles that may be melanoma: A - Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other half), B - Border (edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred), C - Color (color is not uniform; may include shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue), D - Diameter (larger than 6mm, size of a pencil eraser, though melanomas can be smaller), E - Evolving (changing in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding). If a mole shows any of these signs, see a doctor immediately.

Question 14

How often should I get a skin check?

Accepted Answer

General population should get annual professional skin checks. High-risk individuals should get checks every 3-6 months if they have: personal history of skin cancer, family history of melanoma, many moles (50+) or atypical moles, fair skin that burns easily, history of severe sunburns, or immunosuppression. Self-checks should be performed monthly at home, checking all skin including scalp, between toes, and under nails.

Question 15

Does sunscreen really prevent skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sunscreen is proven to prevent skin cancer. Research shows regular use of SPF 15+ sunscreen reduces melanoma risk by 50%, SPF 50+ sunscreen reduces squamous cell carcinoma risk by 40%, and daily sunscreen use slows skin aging and reduces precancerous lesions. For maximum protection: use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection), apply 20 minutes before sun exposure, use 1 teaspoon per limb, 1 teaspoon for face/neck, 2 teaspoons for torso, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

Question 16

Why does Australia have such high skin cancer rates?

Accepted Answer

Australia has the highest skin cancer rates globally due to: extreme UV radiation (Australia experiences some of the highest UV levels on Earth due to its proximity to the equator and ozone layer depletion), outdoor lifestyle (Australians spend significant time outdoors for work, sport, and leisure), fair-skinned population (many Australians have European ancestry with skin types more susceptible to UV damage), and historical lack of sun protection (previous generations had less awareness and fewer sun protection measures). Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70—the highest rate in the world.

Question 17

Can you get skin cancer on areas not exposed to the sun?

Accepted Answer

Yes, skin cancer can develop on areas rarely or never exposed to the sun, including palms of hands and soles of feet, under fingernails and toenails, genital area, inside the mouth, and between toes. While UV exposure is the primary cause, genetic factors and other risk factors can lead to skin cancer in sun-protected areas. This is why full-body skin checks are important.

Question 18

What's the difference between melanoma and moles?

Accepted Answer

Normal moles are symmetrical and round or oval, have even borders and uniform color (usually brown), are typically smaller than 6mm, and remain stable over time. Melanoma warning signs include asymmetrical shape, irregular or poorly defined borders, multiple colors or uneven color distribution, larger than 6mm (but can be smaller), and changing in size, shape, color, or symptoms. Most moles are harmless, but any changing or unusual mole should be examined by a doctor.

Question 19

Is skin cancer treatment covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, skin cancer treatment is covered by Medicare in Australia. GP consultations are bulk-billed or have gap payment depending on clinic. Skin cancer excisions are covered when performed by GP or specialist. Specialist consultations are partially covered (may have out-of-pocket costs). Hospital treatment is covered in public hospitals, and private health insurance may cover private hospitals. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are covered through PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). However, prevention is far cheaper than treatment. The average cost of treating one case of melanoma is $10,000-$50,000+, while a year's supply of sunscreen costs under $100.

Question 20

Can young people get skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, skin cancer affects young Australians at alarming rates. Melanoma is the most common cancer in Australians aged 20-39. Rates in young adults have increased significantly over the past decades. Childhood sunburns dramatically increase lifetime skin cancer risk. Tanning bed use before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%. Young people should practice sun safety from childhood, avoid tanning beds completely, perform regular self-skin checks, and get professional skin checks if they have risk factors. Prevention in youth is critical—sun damage is cumulative and irreversible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does skin cancer look like?

2. Does skin cancer itch?

3. What causes skin cancer?

4. Can you die from skin cancer?

5. What are the early signs of skin cancer?

6. How serious is basal cell skin cancer?

7. What is skin cancer?

8. How is skin cancer diagnosed?

9. Is melanoma always black?

10. How can I prevent skin cancer?

11. How fast does skin cancer grow?

12. Can skin cancer spread to other parts of the body?

13. What is the ABCDE rule for melanoma?

14. How often should I get a skin check?

15. Does sunscreen really prevent skin cancer?

16. Why does Australia have such high skin cancer rates?

17. Can you get skin cancer on areas not exposed to the sun?

18. What's the difference between melanoma and moles?

19. Is skin cancer treatment covered by Medicare?

20. Can young people get skin cancer?

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