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Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Melanoma is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Queenslanders. By knowing your body and getting your skin checked regularly, you can improve your chances of successful treatment by learning the signs and preventing skin cancer.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin grow uncontrollably. About two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70.
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. BCC and SCC are also referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers or keratinocytic cancers.
Rare types of non-melanoma skin cancer include Merkel cell carcinoma and angiosarcoma, and are treated differently from BCC and SCC. If you’d like to find out more about rarer skin cancers, call our Cancer Council 13 11 20 support line.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) starts in the basal cells of the epidermis and makes up about 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers. Basal cell cancer is more common in people aged over 40, but it can still develop in young people.
BCCs grow slowly over months and years and rarely spread to other parts of the body. But having one BCC increases the risk of getting another. It is also possible to have more than one BCC at the same time on different parts of the body.
The earlier a BCC is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. If left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin and damage nearby tissue, making treatment more difficult.
Signs and symptoms for BCC:
While it can be helpful to look at pictures of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), if you are concerned about your skin or notice any unusual changes, visit your GP.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) starts in the squamous cells of the epidermis and makes up about 30% of non-melanoma skin cancer cases. SCC occurs mostly in people over 50 and is more common the older you get.
SCC tends to grow quickly over several weeks or months. If left untreated, SCC can become invasive and spread to other parts of the body. SCC found on the lips and ears is more likely to spread and should be treated immediately.
Signs and symptoms of SCC:
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of cancer in Australia. Because these cancers are very common, usually treated successfully in clinics, and rarely life-threatening, they are generally not recorded in cancer registries. As a result, there is limited data on exactly how many people are diagnosed each year, but national estimates help provide an indication of the impact.
Melanoma starts in the melanocyte cells of the skin and makes up 1–2% of all skin cancers. Although melanoma is a less common type of skin cancer in the world, in Queensland melanoma is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men and women.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but it’s more common in older people. The risk is also higher in people who have:
People with olive, brown, black or very dark skin have more protection against UV radiation because their skin has produced more melanin than fair skin does. However, they can still develop skin cancer.
It can be helpful to look at images of skin cancer and moles to know what to look for. If you notice any changes or anything unusual in your skin, visit your GP (general practitioner).
If you notice any changes to your skin or you’re concerned you might have skin cancer, have your skin checked by a doctor.
Your doctor will examine you by using a handheld magnifying instrument called a dermoscope to see any spots you think are unusual. If it’s difficult to tell the difference between a skin cancer and non-cancerous spot, the doctor may take a skin tissue sample (biopsy) for examination under a microscope. A biopsy is a quick and simple procedure that is usually performed in the doctor’s office and will confirm the diagnosis.
It can be a stressful time if you are asked to wait for test results. It may help to talk to a friend or family member, a healthcare professional or call our Cancer Council support line on 13 11 20.
Skin cancer can be treated in different ways and the type of treatment your doctor recommends can depend on:
Treatment options include:
While every person’s outcome is different, your doctor can provide insight into what to expect from your skin cancer diagnosis. They can discuss your individual situation and help you understand the likely course of your condition.
Skin cancers don’t all look the same, but there are some signs to look out for, including:
If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, or you notice a mole change shape, size or behaviour, visit your doctor for an examination.
Itchy skin can sometimes be a symptom of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and sometimes melanoma. If a mole becomes itchy, changes in size, shape, or colour, or starts bleeding, it’s important to get it checked by a doctor.
Severe cases of skin cancer can be life-threatening, especially melanoma, which is more likely to spread and become fatal if not detected early. Non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are less likely to be deadly, but early detection and treatment are still important for the best outcomes.Navigating a skin cancer diagnosis can be an emotional and challenging process. You’re not alone. Talk to a friend or family member or call our Cancer Council support line on 13 11 20 for information, practical advice, or emotional support.
