The Critical Importance of Early Detection of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Australia, with two in three Australians receiving a skin cancer diagnoses at some point during their lifetime.
The good news is that nearly all skin cancers are treatable, if detected early enough.
Unfortunately, many patients delay getting checked and by the time they come to see us the skin cancer has doubled or tripled in size.Time and time again we get patients coming into the clinic with skin cancers that had we seen them 12 or 18 months earlier, would have been very simple to treat. At SkinSafe we are dedicated to finding skin cancers as early as possible through our highly trained skin cancer doctor, which gives our patients the absolute best outcomes possible.
So What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a clump of cells in your skin that grow uncontrollably due to DNA damage, usually caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Sometimes the growth can spread to other parts of your body (which is really bad) and sometimes it will cause more localised damage. The rate of growth and whether it spreads will depend on the type of skin cancer, with there being three main types:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, BCC, arises from the basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. They typically appear as small, shiny bumps or reddish patches of skin. While BCCs grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, they can cause significant local damage if left untreated. BCCs on the face are particularly concerning as they can invade surrounding tissue, potentially causing disfigurement and functional impairment to vital organs such as your eyes, nose, or ears.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Originating in the squamous cells in the outer layer of the skin, SCC is the second most common type. They often appear as firm, red nodules or flat lesions with a scaly, crusted surface. SCCs have many of the same risks as BCCs, except they can be more aggressive and have a higher risk of spreading to other tissues and organs.
- Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma, develops in the melanocytes, which produce pigment in the skin. They often appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole's size, shape, or colour. Melanoma can spread rapidly to other parts of the body and is responsible for most skin cancer deaths.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of skin cancer is crucial for several reasons:
- Improved Treatment Outcomes: Identifying skin cancer at an early stage significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Early-stage cancers are generally less complex to treat and have higher cure rates. For example, the five-year survival rate for melanoma detected early is about 99%, but this drops to 25% for advanced-stage melanoma.
- Minimised Need for Complex Surgeries: When skin cancer is detected early, treatment often involves less invasive procedures. Small, localised tumours can usually be removed with minor surgery, which we can do in our clinic under local anaesthetic, resulting in minimal scarring and faster recovery. In contrast, advanced cancers may require extensive surgical procedures, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Advanced skin cancers are more likely to spread to other parts of the body, leading to severe complications and a need for more aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. Early detection helps prevent the cancer from reaching these advanced stages, thereby reducing the risk of metastasis and improving overall prognosis.
Raising Awareness and Encouraging Regular Skin Checks
At SkinSafe, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of regular skin checks and sun protection. Here are some key recommendations to help detect skin cancer early:
- Self-Examinations: Regularly check your skin for any new or changing moles, spots, or lesions. Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving shape or size.
- Professional Skin Examinations: Whilst self-examinations are great, we frequently see patients who come in with concerns about a particular spot, only for our doctor to find a skin cancer somewhere else on their body that they thought was harmless. Professional evaluations are critical for detecting skin cancers that are often missed by the untrained eye.
- Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours to reduce your risk of skin damage.
Early detection of skin cancer saves lives and helps patients avoid more severe complications and complex treatments.
By prioritising regular skin checks and sun protection, we can significantly reduce the burden of skin cancer and promote healthier, cancer-free lives. If it’s been a while since your last professional skin cancer check, or you have some spots you’re concerned about, book a skin check with us today. You can book online or give us a call on 8522 6660.
