Skin Cancer Risk
Are you at risk?
Australia has by far the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Nearly two thirds of all fair skinned Australians will develop a skin cancer in their lifetime. There are three main types of skin cancers; Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC’s) which comprise around 80% of skin cancers. Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC’s) 15% and Melanoma around 5%. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and claims around 2500 Australians a year.
Melanomas appear as either a new spot/ mole or a change in an existing spot/ mole. If melanoma is detected early the prognosis is usually excellent.
Risk factors for skin cancer include:
- Advanced age
- Prior history of skin cancer or sunspots
- Family history of melanoma
- Fair skin that burns easily
- Location of childhood
- Blistering sunburns
- Outdoor occupations
- Solarium use
- High mole or freckle count
- Prior tissue transplant recipient