How common is skin cancer?

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

About 2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.

More than 2,000 Australians are dying of skin cancer each year.
More than 2,500 skin cancer treatments occur in Australia every day.

Who is at risk?

Anyone of any age can develop skin cancer but it becomes more common as you get older.

Many factors can increase your risk of skin cancer, including having:

  • pale or freckled skin, especially if it burns easily and doesn’t tan
  • red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes (blue or green)
  • unprotected exposure to UV radiation, particularly a pattern of short, intense periods of sun exposure and sunburn, such as on weekends and holidays
  • actively having tanned, sunbaked or used solariums
  • worked outdoors or spent a lot of time outside (e.g. gardening or golfing)
    been exposed to arsenic
  • a weakened immune system – this may be from having leukaemia or lymphoma or using medicines that suppress the immune system (e.g. for rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease or for an organ transplant)
  • lots of moles, or lots of moles with an irregular shape and uneven colour
    a previous skin cancer or a family history of skin cancer
  • certain skin conditions such as sunspots, because they show that you have had a lot of skin damage from exposure to the sun
    smoked cigarettes, as smoking has been linked to a possible increase in skin cancer risk.

OUR SPECIALISTS CAN DIAGNOSE & TREAT SKIN CANCER EARLY

It is important to check your skin regularly and check with your doctor if you notice any changes.

Skin cancer, when caught early, is highly treatable. Regular yearly screenings can help identify skin cancers at their earliest stages, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment and survival. 

In the majority of cases, your GP will examine you, paying attention to any spots that may look suspicious. Your GP may perform a biopsy (remove a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope). 

When you visit our skin cancer clinic for a skin cancer check, you will be required to undress to your undergarments for a complete examination. You will not be required to remove your bra or underwear. The doctor will methodically assess every section of your skin, closely examining every mole, freckle, or other abnormality they may believe to be suspicious. The most advanced magnifying and digital imaging technology will be used to assess your skin. 

Your Skin Cancer Doctor will discuss the results of screening with you and advise what needs to be done next. Depending on the results of screening and the urgency of management, a biopsy or excision may be offered to you on the day or booked for a later time. You will always be advised of the next steps for management. 

If there are no concerning lesions, you will be offered rescreening as per guidelines based on your risk of future cancer. All your questions regarding your screening will be answered, and skin cancer prevention measures will be advised.

 

DR GREGORY WILLIAMS – SKIN CANCER SPECIALIST

Dr Williams born in Melbourne and completed his fellowship in general practice before moving to the UK.

Since returning to Australia he has performed thousands of skin cancer checks, minor skin cancer surgery, including flaps and grafts, and worked throughout Australia as a skin cancer specialists, including regular trips to regional Australia. 

Book A SKIN CANCER CHECK TODAY