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Skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
These common skin cancers generally occur in people over the age of 40. The major cause is sun exposure over many years.
Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer. They grow slowly over months to years but if left untreated a deep ulcer may form. Fortunately they very rarely spread to other parts of the body.
Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on the face, neck and upper trunk. They appear as small round or flattened lumps that are pale, pearly or red in colour. Basal cell carcinoma can occur in younger adults.
 Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are less common but more dangerous than basal cell carcinomas. They usually grow over a period of weeks to months. They may spread to other parts of the body if not treated quickly. Squamous cell carcinomas appear on areas of skin most often exposed to the sun. They have scaling, red areas which may bleed easily and ulcerate, looking like an unhealed sore.
Virtually all basal and squamous cell carcinomas that are found and treated early are cured.
Melanoma is the rarest but most dangerous skin cancer. It is often a fast growing cancer which if left untreated can spread quickly to distant parts of the body to form secondary cancers or metastases.
Skin cancer rates in Australia are higher than anywhere else in the world. It is the most common form of cancer in Australia affecting all age groups from adolescents upwards. Most common is basal cell carcinoma which accounts for about 75% of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 20% and melanoma less than 5%.
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