Under The Australian Sun

Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention of Skin Cancer

What is Skin Cancer? How does it develop? 

One of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, Skin cancer can be simply described as abnormal growth of skin cells which develop in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms. 

UltraViolet (UV) Radiation from the sun can alter our DNA which is the genetic makeup of our body. This can lead to growth of abnormal cells and this growth in most cases is uncontrollable. The risk of Skin Cancer is aggravated by certain factors however, lifestyle changes and a proactive approach can significantly increase your chances of preventing Skin Cancer.

What are the different types of Skin Cancers and how do they present?

Skin Cancer presents in several forms, each with different attributes and features. The main types of Skin Cancer are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma : The most common form and the least hostile one, It usually presents as an abnormal increase in flesh-colored cells on the areas exposed to sun. The lesion has a pearly appearance to it. It might also present as a sore that bleeds and heals, but ultimately returns.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma : This presents as a red patch on the skin and has a scaly or crusty surface. It may also present as a sore which does not heal. Squamous Cell Carcinoma spreads if treatment is ignored or delayed.
• Melanoma : The most lethal form of Skin Cancer, and can even present on skin that is not exposed to the sun. Melanoma is basically the abnormal growth of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the brown pigment that gives our skin color. Melanoma affects people of all skin tones but develops in different locations depending upon the skin tone. In darker skinned individuals, melanoma presents in the palms or soles. It usually presents as a dark mole, irregular in shape which may change color, shape and size. This lesion can be painful and often itch.

Other rarer forms of Skin Cancer include:

• Kaposi sarcoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Sebaceous gland carcinoma
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

What are the causes and risk factors of Skin Cancer?

Skin Cancer is primarily caused by an exposure to UltraViolet radiation of the sun or excessive radiation from tanning beds. As discussed earlier, this radiation can alter our DNA and increase expression of cells which ultimately leads to uncontrollable and abnormal growth of the cells. There are of course a few additional risk factors that may contribute to the onset of Skin Cancer. These include:

Your Genetics

• Having a family history of Skin Cancer.
• Age also plays a part as before the age of fifty, Skin Cancer is more common in females whereas after the age of fifty, it becomes more common in males.
•  Skin Cancer is more common in non-Hispanic white people in comparison to non-Hispanic black people or Asians. 

Having a history of Sunburns

• Getting easily sunburnt or having experienced cases of severe sunburns, especially during childhood may increase susceptibility to Skin Cancer.

Other reasons

• Being immunocompromised or taking any medication that suppresses your immune system makes you more prone.
• Having had an organ transplant.
• Having irregularly shaped moles.
• Having had UV light therapy done to treat any other skin condition.  

What might be the signs and symptoms of Skin Cancer?

Early detection is a pivotal step that leads to better prognosis.The ABCDE rule makes the detection of Skin Cancer easier by providing a list of signs to be kept in mind when checking for Skin Cancer:

• Asymmetry: Irregularity in the shapes and sizes of the lesions or moles e.g. one half of the mole is unlike the other half.
• Border: Edges of the moles or lesions are uneven or blurred.
• Color: Multiple colored lesions are present such as brown, black, red, or white.
• Diameter: Lesions that are larger than 6mm which is almost the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolving: If any of the lesions enlarges, changes its color and/or shape.

It is important to check up with your healthcare provider if you are worried about or notice any skin lesions or moles.

How is Skin Cancer diagnosed?

A dermatologist identifies any changes in any of your moles or lesions and if a change is  identified, he/she performs a biopsy in order to confirm whether the lesion is cancerous or not. A biopsy is microscopical analysis of a tissue sample taken from your skin. Individuals with a family history or personal history of Skin Cancer are recommended regular check-ups.

What are some of the treatment options available?

Treatment options almost entirely depend upon the type and the stage of the Skin Cancer. Cancer can range from stage zero where the cancer is only in the top layer of the skin to stage four where the cancer has spread to other parts of the skin. Some of the common options available are:

• Surgery
• Radiation and Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Cryotherapy
• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Photodynamic therapy

What are some habits that may prevent Skin Cancer from developing? 

• Protection from the sun, by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, at least an SPF 30 one. Reapply the skin screen every two hours during exposure to the sun.
• Avoiding tanning beds as artificial UV light exposure is equally harmful in increasing the chances of development of Skin Cancer.
• Making Self-Examination of your Skin a habit, as a regular check of your skin helps you keep track of any new lesion development or evolution.

Conclusion

Skin cancer is a serious yet largely preventable condition that continues to affect a significant number of Australians each year. With Australia’s high UV exposure, understanding the types, causes, and warning signs of skin cancer is crucial. Equally important is adopting proactive habits—such as daily sun protection, avoiding artificial tanning, and performing regular skin checks—to safeguard your health. Early detection remains the key to effective treatment, and regular visits to a dermatologist can make all the difference. By staying informed and vigilant, we can take meaningful steps to reduce the burden of skin cancer under the Australian sun.