SunSmart - What causes skin cancer

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What causes skin cancer

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When the UV Index reaches 3 and above, take five steps to protect yourself
against sun damage.

Slip on
some sun protective clothing

Slop on
SPF 30+ sunscreen

Slap on a hat

Seek shade

Slide on some sunglasses

What causes skin cancer

Over-exposure to UV radiation from the sun damages the skin, causing it to change colour, burn or even blister.

Every time you expose your skin to the sun you add to your ‘lifetime exposure’ and increase your skin cancer risk. The number of severe sunburns you have received, especially during childhood, also increases your risk.

There are three types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.

BCC is the most common skin cancer - about 75 per cent of skin cancers are diagnosed as BCC. It looks like a lump or dry scaly area that may be red, pale or pearly in colour. A BCC grows slowly and usually appears on the head, neck and upper body.

About 20 per cent of all skin cancers are SCC. This looks like a thickened, red scaly spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate. An SCC takes several months to grow and usually appear on skin most often exposed to the sun.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although only 5 per cent of all skin cancers diagnosed are melanoma, they cause 80 per cent of deaths. You can get a melanoma at any age. In young people aged 10-24 years, melanoma is the most common cancer.

Melanoma appears as a new spot or an existing spot that changes colour, shape or size. It can spread to other parts of the body if not detected early and treated. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.

Finding skin cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment. If you are concerned about a spot on your skin, see your doctor as soon as possible. Find out more about checking for skin cancer.

To reduce your risk of skin cancer, The Cancer Council recommends protecting your skin when the UV radiation level is 3 or above. For more resources on skin cancer and melanoma, visit the Sun and skin section of our Online Library.

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