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With two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime1, it's one of Australia's most common cancers. The good news however is that it is also one of the most easily detectable and preventable.

How to self-check your skin
Human stories

Boy applying sunscreen on face

Live a healthy and full life

At TAL, we are committed to helping Australians live a healthy and full life.

Now in its ninth year, TAL SpotChecker has been educating Australians about the importance of sun safety by encouraging conversations about the benefits of embracing secondary prevention, and the importance of both regularly self-checking followed by a professional skin check-up when there is a concern.

Book in with your GP to talk about your risk level of skin cancer and any next steps.

About skin cancer

Learn about the different types of skin cancer and how it is caused.

Prevent skin cancer

Skin cancer can be prevented by protecting your skin and minimising your sun exposure.

Detect skin cancer

Checking your skin regularly can help maximise the chances of detecting skin cancer early.

About skin cancer

What is skin cancer?²

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, triggering the growth of abnormal cells in the skin.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  • Melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).

Both Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are non-melanoma skin cancers, the most common skin cancers in Australia.

What causes skin cancer?²

Most skin cancer is caused by an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is estimated to cause around 95% of melanoma cases and around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia. While UV radiation is produced by the sun, it can also come from artificial lights used in solariums.

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but it’s more common in older people. The risk is higher in people who:

  • Have already been diagnosed with skin cancer and/or have a family history of skin cancer,

  • Have many moles on their skin,

  • Have a skin type easily damaged by UV radiation,

  • Have a history of bad sunburns,

  • Spend lots of time outdoors or work outdoors, unprotected and/or

  • Suntan, use or have used solariums or sunlamps.

Types of skin cancer

Melanoma
Melanoma
Melanoma² ³

Melanoma develops in the melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. When these cells develop DNA damage (which may be caused by UV light), they may grow out of control and can eventually form a mass of cancerous cells, which is called a melanoma.

The main cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – like sunlight – although it can occur anywhere on the skin, including places that receive little or no sun exposure, like the soles of your feet or even inside the mouth.

People with fair or freckled skin, lots of moles, a history of sunburn in childhood or adolescence, or a family history of melanoma may be more at risk.

Melanoma can grow quickly. Untreated, it can spread deeper into the skin and be carried to other parts of the body (like the lungs, liver and brain) via lymphatic or blood vessels.

Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma⁴

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, making up 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It is caused by abnormal, uncontrolled growth of basal cells in the lower layer of the epidermis (top, outer layer of the skin). It can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly develops on parts of the body that receive more high sun exposure (the head, face, neck, shoulders and back).

BCC often has no symptoms and grows slowly without spreading to other parts of the body. When detected and treated early, they are the most curable and cause minimal damage.

Symptoms of BCC can include:

  • A pearly lump, and/or

  • A scaly, dry area that is shiny and pale or bright pink in colour.

Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma⁴

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, making up 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It is caused by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells in the upper layer of the epidermis. It usually appears where the skin has had the most exposure to the sun (the head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs).

SCC generally grow quickly over weeks or months and symptoms may include:

  • Thickened red, scaly spot,

  • Rapidly growing lump,

  • Looks like a sore that has not healed, and or

  • May be tender to touch.

Prevent skin cancer

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.2

The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented. Over 95% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. You can put steps in place to protect yourself and your family from harmful UV radiation and reduce your risk.2

UV radiation can be high even when it’s not hot and sunny, however, research indicates that nearly 60% of Australians are likely to be more relaxed about sun protection on days that are overcast and less hot.5

For the best protection, minimise your sun exposure and use a combination of sun protection measures (such as wearing sunscreen daily) to protect your skin whenever the UV level is 3 or above2. To stay on top of UV levels throughout the day in over 600 locations, you can download the free SunSmart app.

Visit Cancer Council Victoria's Sunsmart website for more information.

SpotChecker prevent skin cancer infographic

Detect skin cancer

Living in Australia we have one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world2. However, there is good news; when detected early your chances of successful treatment are increased. But, in order to stop skin cancer spreading, it has to be spotted it in time2.

Unlike other cancers that develop in the body, skin cancer is a cancer you can usually see. It forms on the outside and is usually visible, giving it a good chance of being spotted.

By regularly self-checking your skin, you can help to identify the signs of skin cancer and maximise the chances of detecting skin cancer early. The first sign of a skin cancer can be a new spot, or an existing freckle or mole changing size, shape or colour over weeks or months2.

Getting to know your skin and what’s normal for you will help you find changes earlier. If you notice any sore, changing, abnormal or new spots or moles during your self-check, make sure to see your GP or dermatologist straight away for a skin assesment. In addition to self-checking regularly, it is also important to chat to your GP about your risk level of skin cancer and then, when necessary, book a skin check with your GP, dermatologist, or a skin cancer clinic2.

What to look for at home

The Skin Cancer College of Australasia recommends you “SCAN” your skin looking for spots or moles that are:

SORE

A spot which is sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding or tender) and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks

CHANGING

In appearance (size, shape, colour or texture)

ABNORMAL

Looks different, feels different, or stands out when compared to other spots and moles (e.g. the ‘Ugly Duckling’ – see below)

NEW

Spots that have appeared recently

Ugly ducklings: Most moles and spots on your body are the same or are similar-looking to each other. Compare your spots with other spots on your body. If any mole or spot stands out or looks noticeably different from that of surrounding spots, it is the “Ugly Duckling”, and should be professionally checked by a GP or dermatologist.

How to check your skin at home⁶

Here are simple steps to check and become familiar with your skin so you can identify any changes.

  • In a well-lit room, undress completely and use a full-length mirror to check your whole body, including areas not exposed to the sun

  • If you’re on your own, use a handheld mirror to check areas that are difficult to see, like your scalp and back, or ask a friend or family member to help

  • Spend extra time checking your face, neck, shoulders, back, arms, top of your hands, legs, soles of your feet and between your toes.

Visit the Cancer Council for more skin-safe tips.

Do you know how to self-check your skin?

With a continued focus on better understanding Australians' behaviour regarding skin safety, TAL has commissioned new research with the aim of promoting the importance of skin safety. The findings confirm there is still more work to do in raising awareness around skin cancer prevention.

Through TAL SpotChecker, we will continue to help educate Australians how to self-check their skin, and how prevention and early detection can support in achieving better health outcomes.

SpotChecker self check stats

It is important to perform regular self-checks on your skin to monitor for any unusual changes or signs of skin cancer. It is recommended that you "SCAN" your skin - meaning to check for SORE, CHANGING, ABNORMAL and NEW spots or moles. Below is a diagram guide of the key areas to check on your body as skin cancer may develop in areas not typically exposed to the sun.

The Skin Cancer College of Australasia recommends that you SCAN your skin looking for spots or moles that are:

SORE: A spot which is sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding or tender) and does not heal within 6 weeks

CHANGING: In appearance (size, shape, colour or texture)

ABNORMAL: Looks different, feels different or stands out when compared to other spots and moles

NEW: Spots that have appeared recently

All stats in this image refer to the research completed by Edentify5.

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Human stories behind skin cancer

Hear from Australians who have personally experienced skin cancer as they share their story with us. Each of their stories are powerful and unique.

Yet, there is a consistent theme, skin cancer does not discriminate, so, prevention is better than a cure. Regularly checking your own skin can help to maximise the chance of detecting skin cancer early and greatly increases the chance of successful treatment.

Cate's Story

It’s easy to mistake a melanoma for something more innocent. Particularly when you are someone who has used sunscreen your whole life, like I have, it can be all too easy to brush off a new spot as a freckle.

Elliot's Story

My story of an unsuspecting small freckle turned skin cancer is a reminder that everyone should be conscious of their skin and looking for any changes to spots, no matter how vigilant they are with sunscreen and no matter how small things may appear.

Hayley's Story

Whether with friends in a sunny café, going for a coastal walk or driving in the car, I’m now careful to apply sunscreen and cover up every day.

Glen's Story

If you haven’t had a skin check before or are overdue for one, book it in today. For me, booking that appointment literally saved my life.

Wim's Story

The skin check saved my life. I now understand the importance of booking a professional skin check if there are concerns about a changing spot.

Nikki's Story

I’m so glad that after mum, we’re creating a healthy culture around sun protection that our kids will pass down.

Glen's Story

If you haven’t had a skin check before or are overdue for one, book it in today. For me, booking that appointment literally saved my life.

Hayley's Story

Whether with friends in a sunny café, going for a coastal walk or driving in the car, I’m now careful to apply sunscreen and cover up every day.

Kristie's Story

It’s a natural tendency for mothers and parents to be looking out for our loved ones when it comes to engaging in skin safety. I’m now paying the price for not being just as diligent when it came to myself.

Jo's Story

When it comes to skin health, education is so important. As a child in the 70s, none of that was taught or encouraged ... I can’t tell you how many times I was burned and had blisters from spending time in the sun without protection.

Courtney's Story

My time with skin cancer has been an uphill battle ... That’s why I’m making it my mission to spread awareness about how important wearing sunscreen is, and how we need to change the culture of glamourising tanning.

* Bookings are made through Health Direct,a government-funded services. Visit our Health Direct Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
1 Keratinocyte Cancer Incidence in Australia: a review of population-based incidence trends and estimates of lifetime risk - March 2022, Volume 31, Issue 1. Accessed on 30 October 2024.
2 Cancer Council Guide, "Understanding Skin Cancer". Accessed on 30 October 2024.
3 Cancer Council Guide, "Understanding Melanoma". Accessed on 31 October 2024.
4 Cancer Council, "Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Non-melanoma skin cancer". Accessed on 30 October 2024.
5 The survey was conducted by Edentify Pty Ltd on behalf of TAL, in October 2024, with a sample of 1,000 respondents in Australia aged 18-65+ years old.
6 Cancer Council, "Check for signs of skin cancer". Accessed 30 October 2024.

The information contained on this webpage is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical or other health professional. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problem. Always consult your medical practitioner or other health professional in relation to any medical issue or concern. While all care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete at the date of publication, neither TAL nor its employees accept liability for any loss or damage caused as a result of reliance on the information.

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