Why is prevention and early detection important?

Protecting yourself from skin cancer involves taking proactive steps to minimize UV radiation exposure, which is the leading cause of skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ every day — even on cloudy days — creates a protective barrier that reduces UV damage. Seeking shade during peak sun hours can help limit direct exposure when the sun’s rays are strongest. Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, adds an additional layer of defense.

Early detection is equally important — identifying suspicious moles, lesions, or skin changes early allows for timely intervention when treatment is most effective and less invasive. Skin cancer caught in its initial stages is often highly treatable, but if left unchecked, it can spread to other parts of the body, becoming more difficult to manage. Regular self-exams and annual skin checks with a dermatologist are essential for catching skin cancer early and ensuring the best possible outcome.

What are the common types of skin cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and least aggressive, appearing as a pearly bump, sore, or red patch. It grows slowly but requires treatment to prevent further damage. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may present as a scaly red patch, wart-like growth, or sore that doesn’t heal. If left untreated, it can spread deeper into the skin. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, often developing from an existing mole or as a new dark spot. It can spread quickly, making early detection and treatment essential.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It often develops in existing moles or as a new dark spot on the skin with irregular borders and varied colours. It can spread rapidly to other areas of the body, making early detection crucial.

How can you check for signs of skin cancer?

Regular self-examinations are a vital part of detecting skin cancer early. By thoroughly checking your skin for new or changing moles, spots, or lesions, you can identify potential warning signs before they become more serious. Use the ABCDE rule to assess any moles or growths:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other in shape or size.

• B – Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.

• C – Color: There is uneven coloring or multiple shades, including black, brown, red, white, or blue.

• D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or it develops new symptoms such as bleeding or itching.

Examine your entire body, including hard-to-see areas like the scalp, behind the ears, under the nails, and between the toes. If you notice any new, unusual, or evolving lesions, it’s important to have them assessed by a dermatologist.

What can skin cancer detection and treatment involve?

Skin cancer detection involves regular self-examinations using the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving), dermatologist skin checks, dermatoscopy to closely examine lesions, biopsies to confirm diagnosis, and tracking mole changes over time.

Treatment options depend on the type and stage of skin cancer and may involve surgical excision, cryotherapy to freeze abnormal cells, topical therapies or photodynamic therapy using light to destroy cancer cells. Early intervention greatly improves outcomes, making regular skin checks essential.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If you’re over the age of 18, it is highly recommended to have annual skin checks as part of your regular health routine. Additionally, make an appointment if you observe any suspicious changes in moles, spots, or lesions between routine checks. 

Early detection is crucial for successfully treating skin cancer because it allows for intervention before the cancer has the chance to spread to deeper skin layers or other parts of the body. When skin cancer is identified in its earliest stages, treatment is often less invasive, more effective, and has a higher success rate. Detecting skin cancer early can also mean smaller surgical excisions, less scarring, and a reduced risk of recurrence.

Book your skin check today.

To make an appointment, email admin@karrinyupdermatology.com.au or call the clinic on (08) 9245 3376.