Looking for the best way to take care of your skin as an Australian living in the sunniest country on the planet?
Hold on to your hats because this may come as a shock to you. At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Yes, you read that right. Two out of three Australians you know will get this diagnosis.
The GOOD news?
Skin cancers are extremely preventable when you know your risk and take the necessary precautions. They are also incredibly treatable, especially when caught early. There are skin cancer clinics in Australia you can book in with to get regular checks and screen for anything that might be developing. As well as following some super easy prevention hacks, these two things will help you catch things early and avoid the worst.
Ok, let’s look at the deets of how this works…
Key Takeaways:
- The three main types of skin cancer and how they differ.
- How UV radiation causes skin damage and cancer.
- Sun protection strategies that actually work.
- Tips for regular skin checks so you can detect problems early.
- How to create a skin cancer prevention plan that fits your life.
The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer
Wait…not all skin cancers are the same right?
Spot on! There are many different types of skin cancer, but the three most common are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma.
The main differences are how they look, where they start, and how easily they spread.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common type of skin cancer. They start in the lowest layer of the epidermis and usually appear as a small shiny bump or flat scaly patch. They’re most common on the face, neck, and arms.
Here’s the thing…
These are the easiest to treat if they’re caught early and are unlikely to spread. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them!
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common skin cancer, these are slightly more serious. They often start on areas of skin that have been damaged by the sun over time.
Squamous cells are the second layer of skin after the basal cells. SCCs appear as red, scaly patches, or a sore that doesn’t heal.
The important difference…
They’re more likely to spread if they’re not treated quickly. So again, don’t ignore them!
Melanoma
This is the skin cancer that everyone knows about, and for good reason. It causes the most skin cancer deaths even though it only accounts for around 1-2% of skin cancers. This cancer starts in melanocytes, which are the cells that make the pigment melanin.
The tricky part with these is that they can appear anywhere on your body, not just sun-exposed areas. So keep an eye on your underarms, scalp, palms of your hands and soles of your feet too.
But there’s also good news…
Early detection is key and over 90% of people with melanoma who have it detected early have a 5-year survival rate. Keep up with your skin checks.
How UV Radiation Damages Your Skin
UV radiation from the sun (and artificial sources like tanning beds) is the main cause of skin cancer. It’s important to understand how it damages your skin so you can protect yourself.
UV rays damage the DNA in your skin cells, which can lead to mutations. These mutations can cause the cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably, resulting in cancer.
The three types of UV rays are UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to skin ageing and cancer.
UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and also cause most skin cancers.
UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the atmosphere and don’t reach the earth’s surface.
The surprising thing here is…
Skin cancer is not just from those days at the beach. It’s a build-up of exposure over time. Every time you go out without proper protection, you’re increasing your lifetime exposure to UV rays.
Prevention Strategies That Work
Ok, let’s get practical. These are the things you can do to help prevent skin cancer.
Sunscreen: Your Daily Defence
Sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine, not just something you use at the beach. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. For long periods outdoors, use SPF 50 or higher.
The thing most people get wrong…
Is that they don’t use enough or reapply often enough. You need around one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover your whole body. Apply every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Don’t forget those tricky spots like ears, tops of your feet, neck and back of your hands.
Protective Clothing
Clothing is your best defence against UV radiation. It’s always there, doesn’t rub off, and doesn’t need to be reapplied like sunscreen.
Dark-coloured, tightly woven fabrics provide better UV protection. You can also buy clothing with a built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for extra protection.
Don’t forget to wear sunglasses too. UV rays can damage your eyes and increase your risk of cataracts and other eye diseases.
Strategic Shade Seeking
The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm. Whenever possible, try to plan your outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon. Seek shade whenever you’re out during peak UV hours.
A neat little trick to remember this by…
If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. That’s when you need to take extra precautions!
Say no to tanning beds
And here’s a no-brainer…
Tanning beds are really bad for your skin. The World Health Organisation has classified tanning beds as carcinogenic to humans. Having five indoor tanning sessions before the age of 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75%.
There is no safe level of UV exposure from a tanning bed. Skip the “healthy glow” and use a self-tanning product instead. Remember, fake tan doesn’t protect your skin from UV damage, so wear sunscreen too.
The Power of Early Detection
Detecting skin cancer early greatly increases your chances of successful treatment. There are two ways you can do this: regular skin self-exams and annual professional skin checks.
Do a self-exam once a month. Check the whole body, including your scalp, back of your neck, in between toes, and other hard to see spots. Look for:
- New spots or moles
- Changes in existing moles (size, shape, colour)
- Sores that don’t heal
- Spots that itch, bleed, or feel different
Then get an annual skin check by a professional. They can spot things you may have missed and advise you on what to keep an eye on.
Catch it early. It makes all the difference.
Building Your Personal Sun Protection Plan
You don’t need to go around as a social recluse afraid of the sun. You just need to be smart when you are out and about.
Start by making sunscreen part of your daily routine. Keep it next to your toothbrush so you don’t forget in the morning. Buy some sun-protective clothing and hats. Keep extra sunscreen in your car, bag, and at work.
Pay attention to the UV index where you live. When it’s high (6 or above), be extra careful. And teach your kids about sun protection from a young age. The most sun damage occurs before age 18, so start young.
Final Thoughts
Skin cancer is unfortunately very common in Australia, but it doesn’t have to happen to you. By understanding the different types of skin cancer, you can know what to look for.
Protecting your skin from UV radiation is also a big help. Regular skin checks are also super important and can save your life.
The good news is that none of these things are difficult or expensive. You just need to put them into place and make them part of your daily routine.
Start today and keep yourself sun smart!