What is Skin Cancer?
Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, accounting for 80% of all new cancers diagnosed each year.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer and are sometimes call non-melanoma skin cancer. These types of skin cancers are slow growing and easily treated. They rarely lead to death but if left untreated these cancers can cause massive destruction at the site of the tumour and may spread in some cases.
Melanoma is the least common of the three types, but the most dangerous. Melanoma usually begins as a new small spot, mole or freckle that changes colour, shape or thickness over months. They can also develop in already existing moles and in other parts of the body, such as the eye or mouth and they can progress to internal organs and cause death if not diagnosed and removed early in their development.