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. Then there are Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC’s) which are around 15% of skin cancers and Melanoma which is around 5%. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancers and calais 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
