Comprehensive Guide to Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Management

Skin cancer is the most common cancer for Australians. The stats are alarming: 2 in 3 Australians will get a form of skin cancer by age 70. The good news is catching skin cancer early can mean the difference between life and death.

Time to get the moles on your skin checked?

Melanoma survival is over 99 percent when detected early. The problem is most people don't know what to look for or when to get checked. Skin cancer risk factors and where to get reliable skin cancer detection services can be the difference between life and death. Professional MoleMap skin check clinics provide thorough screening and use high quality imaging to track any changes in your moles over time.

Detecting early abnormalities is so important because the earlier you catch it the better your treatment outcome will be. So here's what you need to know:

• Skin cancer risk factors

• The 3 main types to watch for

• Warning signs to spot them early

• Management to catch and treat skin cancer

What is Your Skin Cancer Risk?

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. The combination of harsh UV radiation and a fair-skinned population is deadly. It's estimated that in 2024 there will be 18,964 new cases of melanoma in Australia. That's one person every 30 minutes, and older Australians are at greater risk. Over 50s account for the majority of skin cancer cases. But skin cancer can affect anyone - no matter the age or skin type. By the age of 85, one in 17 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma. No one wants to go in to a skin check blind.

3 Main Types of Skin Cancer

Not all skin cancers are the same and it's important to know the differences to help identify potential issues quickly.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer. It tends to grow slowly and doesn't usually spread to other parts of the body. Common signs include:

• Pearly or waxy bumps

• Flat, flesh colored or brown scar-like lesions

• Bleeding or scabbing sores that heal then come back

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This is the second most common type. It's more aggressive than BCC but is still treatable if detected early. Signs to look out for are:

• Firm, red nodules

• Flat lesions with a scaly, crusted surface

• New sores or raised areas on old scars

  
  

Melanoma: This is the deadliest type of skin cancer. It develops in the melanin-producing cells in our skin. The cancer can appear on any part of the body. Warning signs include:

• Asymmetrical moles (one half doesn't match the other)

• Irregular borders (edges are uneven, ragged or blurred)

• Multiple colors (tan, brown, black, white, red or blue)

• Diameter greater than 6mm (larger than a pencil eraser)

• Evolving (changing in size, shape or colour)

Scary right? But with early detection things change.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Some people have a higher risk of skin cancer. It's important to know these factors to understand how often screening should be done.

UV exposure: Sun exposure from outdoor work or play is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer. Damage to skin cells at the DNA level is what leads to cancer over time. This can be the result of years of gradual damage or a few serious sunburns which double the risk of melanoma later in life.

Fair skin: Fair skin, light hair and eye colors provide less natural protection. Damage from UV exposure is more likely. People with darker skin can also still develop skin cancer but often have later stage diagnoses.

Family history: Genetics play a factor. Having a first degree relative with melanoma significantly increases the risk. In some cases families have genetic mutations that increase the risk.

Moles and unusual skin markings: Having many moles (greater than 50) or atypical moles is a risk factor. Abnormal moles need to be monitored and checked by a professional who can track changes.

Weakened immune system: Skin cancer risks are higher for people with compromised immune systems. This could be from an underlying medical condition or medication side effects.

History of skin cancer: Prior history of skin cancer also increases your risk and makes ongoing monitoring important.

Skin Cancer Warning Signs

Detecting skin cancer early is the key to treatment success. Here's what everyone can do:

Regular self-exams: Check your entire body every month. Look for anything new or unusual that wasn't there the month before. Check your less sunny areas too. Use a mirror or ask someone to help you with the hard to see places.

The ABCDE rule: A simple way to monitor moles for potential problems is using the ABCDE method:

Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other half)

B irregular borders (edges are ragged or blurred)

C colour changes (tan, brown, black, white, red or blue)

D larger than 6mm in diameter (bigger than a pencil eraser)

E evolving size, shape or colour

See a professional: Don't wait if you notice something. Get a professional skin check if:

• A mole or spot changes in any way

• Something new appears after age 30

• A sore or spot hasn't healed after 3 weeks

• Bleeding, itching or pain at a spot

• Family history of melanoma

Yearly professional screenings are also recommended. Advanced imaging technology can detect changes that might not be visible to the naked eye.

Skin Cancer Management

Managing skin cancer risk is about prevention and treatment.

Prevention is best: The best treatment is to prevent skin cancer from occurring in the first place. Sun protection should be non-negotiable:

• Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors

• Seek shade during UV peak hours of 10am-4pm

• Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses

• Stay out of tanning beds completely

Professional screening: Regular professional skin checks based on individual risk factors. People at high risk may need screenings every 3-6 months, while low risk can be once a year.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer but can include:

• Surgical excision to cut out the cancer and surrounding tissue

• Mohs surgery to remove layer by layer (important for delicate areas)

• Cryotherapy to freeze off small, early stage cancers

• Topical treatments to apply to the skin

• Radiation for cancers not able to be surgically removed

• Immunotherapy to support the immune system to fight melanoma

• Targeted therapy drugs to attack cancer cells

The best case scenario is finding it early so treatment is simpler and has a better prognosis.

Follow up: After treatment, it's important to keep on top of regular skin checks. Many people develop multiple skin cancers over their lifetime. Monitoring for new developments is crucial. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are recommended for ongoing surveillance and peace of mind.

Bottom line on skin cancer: Skin cancer is no joke. The stats are clear, Australians have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. But there is a simple solution that makes all the difference: Early detection saves lives.

Melanoma survival is greater than 99 percent when caught early and before it has a chance to spread. That's about as good a chance as we can realistically hope for. So here are the simple strategies everyone should be doing:

• Know your personal risk factors

• Perform monthly self checks

• Get regular professional screenings

• Take sun protection seriously

• Seek treatment early when something looks off

Knowledge is the best defense against skin cancer. Taking these prevention and detection measures seriously is the best chance to stop a deadly disease.

Don't wait until you see something that really looks wrong. Regular skin cancer screening should be part of everyone's health maintenance like annual physicals or dental check-ups.

The time to start is now.