Spot theDifference Skin Check Guide

Learn how to spot the early signs ofskin cancer to helpyou look afteryourself and yourloved ones all yearround.

Found a suspicious spot?Visit your doctor. For general information and support contact Cancer Council’s experienced cancer nurses on 13 11 20.

?DID YOU KNOWAUSTRALIA HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES OF SKIN CANCER IN THE WORLD Two in three of us will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. More than 95% of skin cancers are treatable if found early. However, left untreated, skin cancer can be fatal.

Facts about ultraviolet (UV) radiation.UV radiation from the sun:• is high-energy radiation, capable of causing damage to living organisms• is carcinogenic to humans • cannot be seen or felt• is not related to temperature• can be high even on cool and cloudy days• can pass through clouds• can pass through loosely woven material• can bounce off reflective surfaces such as metal, concrete, water and snow.

Figure 1: Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.Fritschi L, Driscoll T. Cancer due to occupation in Australia. Aust N Z J Public Health 2006 Jun;30(3):213-9

AM I AT RISK? Anyone can develop skin cancer.However, you are at higher risk if you:

• have a fair skin type that is easily sunburnt;

• have spent lots of time outdoors over your lifetime;

• sunbake, use solariums or sunlamps; and/or• have lots of moles;• have a history of bad sunburns;• have previously been diagnosed or

have a family history of skin cancer;• have red hair and light coloured eyes (blue or

green).

If you meet any of the above criteria, speak to your doctor about developing a surveillance plan to keep on top of any changes to your skin.

CHECK YOURSELFAND YOUR LOVEDONES WITH THREE SIMPLE STEPS.• Find a room with good light

and a full-length mirror.• Undress and check all of the

skin, not just sun-exposed areas. This includes under-arms, scalp, groin and the soles of feet.

• Ask a friend or family mem-ber to check the skin you cannot see, like on your scalp and back. You can also use a hand-held mirror.

FACT: More than 95% of skin cancers can be successfullytreated if they are found early

Face and scalp

Neck and shoulders

Front and back of yourarm, including armpit

Front and back ofhands, between yourfingers and underthe fingernails

Legs

Between toes andon soles of feet

WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck your skin regularly and see your doctor if you noticea new spot or a spot that has changed in size, colour or shape.

Melanoma, including nodular melanoma,is the least common, but most dangerous form

of skin cancer so it must be treated quickly.

Melanoma• May have irregular edges,

one half bigger than the other, or an uneven colour.

• Can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.

Nodular melanoma• Grows very quickly so don’t

delay seeing your doctor.• Raised and even-coloured

ranging from pink or red, to brown or black.

• Firm, dome-shaped, may bleed and crust.

Basal cell carcinoma• Red, pale, or pearly colour

that can be a lump or dry, scaly patch.

• Can ulcerate, bleed and fail to heal.

Squamous cellcarcinoma• Thickened, red scaly spot

that bleeds easily, crusts or ulcerates.

• More common in people over 50 years old.

PROTECT YOURSELFThe sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. Unlike the sun’s light or heat, we can’t see or feel UV. Damage can occur all year round - even in the colder months. Prevention is better than a cure, so it’s important to follow all five SunSmart steps during sun protection times, available on the free SunSmart app.

Spots, blemishes, freckles and moles are often signs of sun damage. Keep an eye on them and if you notice them changing or new spots appearing, see your doctor.

SLOP on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum,water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours.

SLIP on covering clothing.

SLAP on a broad-brimmed hat.

SEEK shade.

SLIDE on sunglasses

Cancer Council NSW and Skin Cancer

Since the 1980’s, Cancer Council has been front and centre in skin cancer prevention. As long as the sun shines on Australia, we won’t stop working with the help of our supporters to reduce skin cancer rates and save lives.

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which exposure to UV radiation is more likely to contribute to skin cancer in later life. Cancer Council’s world-renowned SunSmart program reaches over 2 million children nationally and protects little Aussies from harmful UV rays.

In NSW, men over the age of 40 are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed and 2.5 times more likely to die of melanoma than women of a similar age. Our Improve your long game program partners with NSW golf clubs to improve sun protection behaviours of golfers and has been proven to increase sun protection awareness and behaviour.

NSW was one of the first states in Australia to introduce legislation to control solariums in 2008 and more recently, ban commercial solariums entirely.

To find out more about cancer prevention, visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention

A special gift just for you!To help you prioritise your skin health we’ve got an exclusivediscount code for you. Visit any Cancer Council store in NSW and mention the promo code SKINGUIDE20 for 20% off your purchase.

Terms and conditionsValid in-store only. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Save 20% on total transaction.Valid for 1 transaction only.Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.