Skin cancer
What is skin cancer?
Non-melanoma (keratinocyte) skin cancer is Australia’s most common form of skin cancer, however most are not life-threatening. The two types of skin cancer most often diagnosed are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Basal cell carcinoma
BCC originates in the bottom of the top layer of skin (epidermis). They often develop in sun-exposed areas such as the head, face, neck, shoulders and back. BCC is a common skin cancer, accounting for 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
BCC often grows slowly over months or years but if untreated, can invade deeper into the skin to cause nerve or tissue damage. BCC usually appears as a pearly lump or a dry, scaly area that is shiny and pale or bright pink. The lesion may ulcerate or bleed.
Risk factors include:
- Over-exposure to UV radiation from the sun
- Older age
- Family history of skin cancer
- Fair skin and a tendency to sunburn
- Weakened immune system
- Use of tanning beds
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the upper layer of the epidermis. This type of cancer generally grows quite quickly – over weeks or months. It often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs. SCC may appear as a scaly, red patch or a sore that does not heal. It may also present as a rapidly growing lump with a central depression. If untreated, SCC can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other areas of the body.
Risk factors include:
- Short, intense periods of exposure to sun UV radiation
- Older age
- Fair skin and a tendency to sunburn
- Family history of skin cancer
- History of a previous skin cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Use of tanning beds
Skin cancer clinical trials
Open for recruitment
- 01.21 SiroSkin
Completed and published trials
- 04.17 SMARTI
More information about skin cancer
Visit these reputable websites for more information about skin cancer: