National Skin Cancer Action Week

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. It is estimated that more than 18,200 people were diagnosed with melanoma in 2023. The average age at diagnosis is 65 years old. Melanoma is the third most diagnosed cancer in Australia, and it is estimated that one in 17 people will be diagnosed by the time they are 85. 

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer. UV damage also causes sunburn, tanning, premature ageing, and eye damage. The good news is you can prevent damage (and skin cancer) by being sun smart.  

Sun protection is recommended whenever UV levels reach three or higher. Australians shouldn't expose themselves to potentially harmful UV to get more vitamin D. Evidence suggests that prolonged sun exposure doesn't cause vitamin D levels to increase further but it does increase your risk of developing skin cancer. When UV levels are three or higher, most Australians get enough vitamin D with just a few minutes of sun exposure while doing everyday tasks. 

Knowing Your Skin 

The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection. 

It's important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so that you notice any changes. Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt. Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles. 

ABCDE Melanoma Detection Guide 

The ABCDE of melanoma detection can be a useful guide when checking your skin: 

• A is for Asymmetry – Look for spots that lack symmetry. That is, if a line was drawn through the middle, the two sides would not match up.
• B is for Border – A spot with a spreading or irregular edge (notched).
• C is for Colour – Blotchy spots with a number of colours such as black, blue, red, white and/or grey.
• D is for Diameter – Look for spots that are getting bigger.
• E is for Evolving – Spots that are changing and growing. 

Cancer Council’s Five Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin 

Let's focus on these five simple steps to protect your skin this summer:

1. Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
2. Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen (apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours)
3. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck, and ears
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on sunglasses, ideally a wraparound style, that meet Australian standards 

If you’d like to learn more about sunscreen and being #sunsmart, visit the Cancer Council’s Sunscreen Hub. 

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™. We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, older Australians, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide government-funded support at home. We also offer private care for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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