Skin Cancer Banner
 Skin Cancer – Facts and Figures

Skin Cancer
 The skin is the body's largest organ. Its job is to protect internal organs against damage, heat and infection. The skin is also the most exposed organ to sunlight and other forms of harmful ultraviolet rays.

There are three major types of skin cancer.
  • Basal cell carcinoma: The most common form of skin cancer. This type of cancer begins in the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: The second most common type of skin cancer. This type of cancer also begins in the outer layer of the skin cells.
  • Melanoma: The most serious skin cancer, it begins in skin cells called melanocytes that produce pigment (melanin) which gives the skin its colour.1
If diagnosed and treated early, your chances of avoiding surgery are improved.2 Be sure to talk to your doctor about anything unusual on your skin and have a skin examination by a doctor every three years for people between 20 and 40 years of age and every year for anyone over the age of 40.2

1.    Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. [online] 2008 [cited on 13 August 2008]. Available from URL: http://www.skincancer.gov.au/internet/skincancer/publishing.nsf/Content/fact-1
2.    American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology [online] 2007 [cited on 13 August 2008]. Available from URL: http://www.rtanswers.org/treatment/disease/skin_cancer.htm


The Facts
  • Australia has the highest incidence rate of skin cancer in the world.1 Skin cancers account for around 80% of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia.1 Each year Australians are four times more likely to develop a common skin cancer than any other form of cancer.
  • The melanoma incidence rates in Australia and New Zealand are around four times as high as those found in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.1
  • Over 380,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer each year – that’s over 1,000 people every day.1
  • Skin cancer costs the health system around $300 million annually, the highest cost of all cancers.1
  • Skin cancer (non-melanoma and melanoma) is the most common form of cancer in Australia, causing over 1,500 deaths in 2003. 2 An estimated $264 million was spent on non-melanoma skin cancers and an estimated $30 million was spent on melanoma in 2001, making it Australia’s most expensive cancer.2
  • Melanoma is less common but is the most life-threatening form of skin cancer.2 Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in the world.2
  • In Australia, the risk of developing melanoma before the age of 75 is 1 in 24 for males and 1 in 34 for females.2
1.    SUNSMART Cancer Council Victoria [0nline] 2007 [cited on 6 May 2008]. Available from URL: http://www.sunsmart.com.au/browse.asp?ContainerID=1752
2.    Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing [online] 2008 [cited on 6 May 2008]. Available from URL: http://www.skincancer.gov.au/internet/skincancer/publishing.nsf/Content/fact-2

Melanoma
 Melanoma, the most life-threatening skin cancer in Australia, and is the most common cancer in the 15-24 year-old age group, with 213 new cases diagnosed in 2003.1 Melanoma is the tenth most common cause of cancer death overall in Australia, with a total of 1,146 deaths (382 females and 764 males) in 2003.1 Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented skin lesion. Australia has the world’s highest incidence rate of melanoma.2

Causes
Melanoma risk increases with exposure to UV radiation, particularly with episodes of sunburn, also at risk are people who have:2
  • Increased numbers of unusual moles
  • Depressed immune systems
  • A family history
  • Fair skin
  • Had a previous melanoma
Prevention
  • Avoiding sunburn by minimising sun exposure especially between 10am and 3pm, when UV levels reach their peak.2
  • Remember to always seek shade, wear a hat that covers the head, neck and ears, wear sun protective clothing and close-fitting sunglasses, and wear an SPF30+ sunscreen. 2
  • Avoid using tanning salons.2
1.    The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, Don’t let your time in the sun catch up with you. Media Release. 6 January 2008.
2.    Cancer Council Australia. Melanoma [online]. 2007 [cited 5 May 2008} Available from URL: http://www.cancer.org.au/aboutcancer/cancertypes/melanoma.htm