Skin Cancer Overview
Skin Cancer in Australia
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with approximately two in three Australians diagnosed with some form of the disease before the age of 70. Unenviably, we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. This is two to three times the rate seen in Canada, the US, or the UK. The majority of skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Other risk factors include age, a fair skin type, the use of solariums, previous radiation therapy, occupational exposure to certain chemicals, and in some types of skin cancer, family history is also relevant. Whilst certain people may be more at risk, the simple message is that anyone, of any age, gender, or ethnicity can develop a skin cancer and that as a patient you can play a role in the prevention and treatment of this disease by:
Routinely wearing sunscreen and engaging in sun-protective behaviours.
Performing regular self-skin examinations.
Seeing your GP or dermatologist for a full skin examination when recommended or when you are concerned regarding a new or evolving lesion.
Full Skin Examination (FSE)
The full skin check is the mainstay of dermatology practice. It refers to the examination of the patient to look for pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions so that early and effective intervention can take place.
As a country, an overwhelming number of us enjoy outdoor sports and leisure pursuits. Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world and this can cause sunburn in as little as 11 minutes on a fine day.
Whilst skin cancer is common in Australia, presently there are no government-based screening recommendations. Ideally, most Australians would attend a yearly full skin examination with either their GP or their dermatologist. More frequent skin checks should occur when a patient has had multiple previous skin cancers, significant sun exposure, is immunosuppressed or has had an organ transplant. The practitioners consulting from The Skin Centre also encourage their patients to regularly examine their own skin so that they can seek medical attention when they notice any new lesions, or when pre-existing lesions grow or change.
The practitioners operating from The Skin Centre, welcome both new and regular patients for their annual full skin examination. To make the most of your appointment, the practitioners we support suggest their patients take the following steps in advance of your visit.
Perform a self-exam prior to your appointment – Make a note of any lesions that are troubling you, or that have changed in appearance, to show your dermatologist.
Remove nail polish from your nails the night before – remember that skin cancers can form in this site and your dermatologist will want to check your nails as well as in the adjacent web-spaces, the palms, and the soles.
Wear clothing and underwear that can easily be moved to examine all sites – You will need to undress for this examination, so wear something that is both comfortable and practical. You will not be asked to remove your underwear unless you have specific concerns about a lesion in these sites. Should you require a sensitive exam, a chaperone can be made available upon request.
Wear your hair loose – the scalp is heavily sun-exposed and skin cancers can develop in part-lines and on thinning crowns. It is also a site where applying sunscreen may be difficult. Wear your hair loose so that your practitioner can properly examine your scalp.
Remove all makeup and attend with freshly cleansed skin – Whilst we all want to look our best, makeup may hide skin cancers on the face, neck and lips. It’s important to come with bare skin so that your practitioner won’t overlook any concealed skin cancers.
Remember that if a suspicious lesion is identified at your appointment, your Dermatologist will offer to biopsy this for you. A biopsy carries a fee outside of the standard consult fee. Your practitioner will ensure they have your consent both clinically and financially before any invasive procedure is undertaken. Depending on the type of biopsy taken you will be provided with post-procedural care advice. The results of a biopsy are usually between 5-10 days. Unless agreed otherwise, results will be given to you over the phone or via email.
Benign, Precancerous and Cancerous Skin Lesions
The full skin examination may reveal a number of different benign, premalignant or malignant skin lesions. These may arise from any structure of the skin including the epidermis and dermis, the hair follicle, glandular structures, blood vessels and nerves. Your practitioners have attempted to provide a description of the more common skin lesions seen in their practices, and in Australia, but by no means does this list reflect the vast array of skin tumours and cancers that they treat.
The term benign refers to something which is harmless. Some of the more common benign skin lesions include seborrhoeic keratoses, acrochordons, sebaceous hyperplasia and cysts.
Premalignant refers to a situation in which a collection of skin cells has become abnormal but is yet to become cancerous. Despite being pre-cancerous, your dermatologist may still suggest treatment to prevent their transformation into something more sinister. Of the various pre-malignant lesions, one of the most commonly encountered is the Actinic Keratosis.
Malignant skin cancers are those where the cells have now become abnormal and have gained the ability to invade nearby tissue. Malignant cells can spread to distant sites so treatment for these forms of skin cancer is recommended. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as intra-epidermal carcinoma (IEC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma are all considered malignant. Certain lesions can also be considered markers for an increased risk of other cancers, such as Dysplastic Naevi (an atypical mole).
Getting professional diagnosis, care and treatment is essential when it comes to serious skin concerns, in particular skin cancers. Don’t delay diagnosis or treatment by making your appointment with your practitioner. Appointments can be made via calling (07) 5597 7170 or emailing reception@skincentre.com.au