Signs and risk factors of skin cancer

Who is at risk?

Anyone of any age can develop skin cancer but it becomes more common as you get older. Many factors can increase your risk of skin cancer, including having:

• pale or freckled skin, especially if it burns easily and doesn’t tan
• red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes (blue or green)
• unprotected exposure to UV radiation, particularly a pattern of short, intense periods of sun exposure and sunburn, such as on weekends and holidays
• actively tanned, sunbaked or used solariums
• worked outdoors or spent a lot of time outside (e.g. gardening or golfing)
• been exposed to arsenic
• a weakened immune system – this may be from having leukaemia or lymphoma or using medicines that suppress the immune system (e.g. for rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease or for an organ transplant)
• lots of moles, or lots of moles with an irregular shape and uneven colour
• a previous skin cancer or family members with a history of skin cancer
• certain skin conditions such as sunspots because it shows that you have had a lot of skin damage from exposure to the sun.

People with brown, black, olive or very dark skin often have more protection against UV radiation, because their skin produces more melanin than fair skin does. However, people with darker skin can still develop skin cancer, sometimes in less sun-exposed areas of the body.

How to check your skin

In a room with good light, undress completely and use a full-length mirror to check your whole body. To check areas that are difficult to see, use a handheld mirror or ask someone to help you.

If there are any changes to your skin, if you notice something new, or you are worried about a spot you see, make an appointment with your doctor straightaway. You will have a better outcome if the skin cancer is found and treated early. For more information on checking your skin, visit Sunsmart.

How do I spot a skin cancer?

Most skin cancers are self-detected. If you know what changes to watch for, you’ll be more likely to find a skin cancer early.

Skin cancers don’t all look the same, but there are some signs to look out for, including:

• a spot that looks and feels different from other spots on your skin
• a spot that has changed size, shape, colour or texture
• a spot that is tender or sore to touch
• a sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
• a sore that is itchy or bleeds.

Getting to know your skin will help you notice any new or changing spots. Make a time to regularly check your skin. You could try having a calendar reminder for the first day of the month, or you may want to do a check at the change of each season.

There is no set guideline on how often to check for skin cancer, but if you have had a skin cancer or are at greater risk of developing skin cancer, your doctor will do regular check-ups and will tell you how often you need to check your own skin.

Can smartphone apps help to detect skin cancer?

Some smartphone apps let you photograph your skin at regular intervals and compare the photos to check for changes. These apps may be a way to record any spot you are worried about or remind you to check your skin. However, research shows that apps cannot reliably detect skin cancer. If you notice a spot that worries you, make an appointment with your doctor straightaway.