A healthcare professional using a handheld digital dermatoscope to examine a mole on a male patient’s upper back. The magnified skin image is displayed on a computer screen for analysis in a clinical setting.

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Understanding the different types of skin cancer

Every day, you make choices that influence your health and longevity. You choose to get up early for a run before work. You eat fruit and vegetables. You drink water and go to bed early.

Those small actions add up, helping to protect you from heart disease or burnout. Other things add up too, though. Sunlight streams through the car window as you sit in traffic. Sun warming your forearms as you sip a coffee. Sun bearing down on your back as you swim laps in the pool. You may not burn, but you’re still being exposed to invisible UV radiation that slowly damages your skin.

Why skin cancer deserves your attention

Simply living in the sunburnt country increases your risk of skin cancer – Australia has one of the highest rates in the world. Around 2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. And 10% of people diagnosed with melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) are aged 40-49.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but it’s worth being especially mindful of it if you have:

  • A family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma)
  • Fair skin that burns easily
  • A history of severe sunburns or solarium use
  • Spent a lot of time outdoors through work, sport or hobbies
  • A large number of moles or freckles
  • Compromised immunity.

Proactive steps to reduce your risk of skin cancer

Protecting your skin doesn’t mean retreating from the sun altogether. It simply involves ongoing care, such as:

  • Using high-SPF sunscreen on a daily basis
  • Managing incidental sun exposure during commutes or outdoor meetings
  • Wearing protective clothing and sunglasses
  • Avoiding tanning beds
  • Understanding the 3 main types of skin cancer so you know what to look for
  • Knowing your skin so you can spot any changes
  • Having regular professional skin checks, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.

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A guide to checking your skin

The three main types of skin cancer

Understanding the different types of skin cancer helps you identify any early signs so you can take timely action.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

About 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers are BCCs, which begin on the lower layer of the epidermis (the top, outer layer of your skin).

Often referred to as the “silent creeper”, BCC grows slowly and is usually found on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck (though it can grow anywhere).

BCC looks like a pearly or waxy bump, or a flat, flesh-coloured lesion. It rarely spreads but can cause significant local damage if ignored.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

The remaining 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers are SCCs. These are found in the upper layer of the epidermis, usually in areas that receive high sun exposure. It looks like a firm red nodule or a rough, scaly patch that may bleed or crust.

SCC is more aggressive than BCC and can spread quickly over weeks and months if left untreated. It commonly appears on areas frequently exposed to the sun, including the ears, hands, and scalp.

Melanoma
Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Australia and New Zealand have the world’s highest incidence of melanoma.

It looks like an irregular, multicoloured mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or colour. It can appear anywhere on the body, even areas not regularly exposed to sunlight.

Early detection is very important. Melanoma is most easily treated in its early stages when it is still confined to the top layer of skin and has not yet spread to other parts of the body.

Skin checks designed for people like you

Regular skin checks empower you to take control, detect changes early and act confidently. At Oracle Healthcare, we offer state-of-the-art skin cancer checks to suit people who value precision and efficiency.

Using advanced 3D mole mapping with the Vectra system, our team captures a full-body, high-resolution scan that monitors every mole and skin lesion over time. It’s fast, private, and meticulously overseen by qualified professionals.

No guesswork. No need for multiple referrals. Just peace of mind, delivered in one, streamlined visit at our beautifully appointed Sydney clinic.

Book your skin check today

Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.

References

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