What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer
2 in 3 Australians will get skin cancer before the age of 70
Studies show that around 2 out of 3 Australians will develop skin cancer. Fortunately if detected early skin cancer can be one of the most treatable cancers. That’s why our focus is helping companies provide the highest level of pro-active health care for their employees.
What is Skin Cancer?
Every year nearly 2000 Australians die from skin cancer – this is greater than the road toll!
Skin cancer is a general term which embodies all cancers that form in different cells of the skin. Skin Cancer is mostly caused by cells which have been damaged by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays).
It affects hundreds of thousands of people living in Australia each year and although it is most common amongst the fair skinned, all skin types are at risk.
Skin cancers are generally categorised into three common types; basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. A fourth, non-cancerous category is also identified as Pre-Cancerous Actinic Keratosis.
What is UVR?
Outdoor workers generally receive 5 to 10 times more UVR exposure per year than indoor workers
Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) is emitted from the sun or artificial sources such as solariums. It is not related to temperature, nor is it related to heat. UVR is what causes sun burn, skin and eye damage, premature aging and in some cases, leads to skin cancer.
Levels of UVR can be high even on cool, cloudy days. The UV Index describes the daily danger of solar UV radiation intensity. It is important for all Australian’s to check for the UV Index levels on a daily basis in order to know when you will require sun protection and what preventative sun exposure methods to action.
Skin Cancer Types
Skin Cancer is Australia’s Most Common Cancer
Skin cancers are generally categorised into three common types; basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. A fourth, non-cancerous category is also identified as Pre-Cancerous Actinic Keratosis.
Melanoma
It is the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and it is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Find out more about Melanoma here.
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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common form of skin cancer and can result in severe damage to skin. Find out where on the body it mostly develops.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
This is the second most common type of skin cancer caused by excessive UV exposure. Find out its signs and symptoms here.
Pre-Cancerous Actinic Keratosis
Also known as Solar Keratosis, they are pre-cancerous patches of thick and crusty skin that if left untreated, may develop into skin cancer.