What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer develops when a cell in the skin goes through a series of changes that make it a cancer cell.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation - from the sun and other sources such as solariums - is the main factor that causes skin cells to become cancer cells.
Choose from the headings below to learn more about skin cancer:
What happens when the skin is explosed to ultraviolet radiation (UV)?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources such as solariums, can damage skin cells and stop the immune system from working properly.
Unprotected exposure to UV radiation can result in:
- sunburn
- premature ageing of the skin and wrinkles
- blotches, blemishes and age spots
- eye damage
- skin cancer
Types of skin cancer
There are three types of skin cancer and they are named after the type of skin cell they start from. These are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma
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- Most common form of skin cancer but the least dangerous.
- Appear as round or flattened lump or scaly spots.
- Red, pale or pearly in colour.
- May become ulcerated, bleed and fail to heal.
- Grows slowly over months or years.
- Usually found on the upper body, head or neck.
- Also known as non-melanoma skin cancer.
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Squamous cell carcinoma
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- Less common, but more dangerous than basal cell carcinoma.
- 1-2% can spread and cause death.
- Look for scaly red areas that may bleed easily, ulcers or non-healing sores that are often painful.
- Grows over a period of months.
- Often found on lips, ears and scalp.
- Also known as non-melanoma skin cancer.
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Melanoma skin cancer
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- Least common but most serious form of skin cancer.
- Can appear in a new or an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes colour, size or shape.
- Grows over weeks to months anywhere on the body (not just areas that get lots of sun).
- If untreated, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.
- Occurs most frequently on the upper back in males and on the lower leg in females.
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The warning signs of UV damage to the skin and eyes
The following conditions are not cancer but may be a warning sign that damage to the skin or eyes has occurred.
Dysplatic Naevi
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- Are odd shaped (also called atypical) moles that aren't cancer but may indicate a greater risk of developing melanoma.
- Usually 5-10mm wide, with uneven colouring.
- If you have lots of odd shaped moles you should have your skin checked regularly by your doctor.
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Solar Kertoses
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- Generally hard, red, scaly spots on sun exposed areas of the skin.
- Occur commonly on the head, neck and the backs of the hands.
- Are a warning sign that the skin has been damaged by the sun and that skin cancers may develop.
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Eye Damage
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- Sun exposure can cause burns to the eye similar to sunburn of the skin which may lead to:
- cataracts (clouding of the lens;
- pterygium (tissue covering the cornea); and
- cancer of the conjunctiva or cornea.
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