Skin Cancer - know the signs
Notice Change.
Act Early.
Skin cancers do not all look the same. Learning what is normal for your skin—and seeking assessment when something changes—can help skin cancer be found earlier.
Explore this page
Understanding Skin Cancer
Abnormal Skin Cells
growig without control.
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow and multiply. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main preventable cause, and damage can build throughout life.
Anyone can develop skin cancer. Your personal risk may be influenced by UV exposure, skin type, age, immune system, number of moles, and personal or family history.
The Three Main Tyes
Different cells.
Different behaviour.
These descriptions are guides, not a way to diagnose a spot. Skin cancers can vary greatly in colour, shape and appearance. It is Important to get regular skin cancer checks by a professional with proper devices.
01
Melanoma
Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells that give skin its colour. It is less common than BCC and SCC but is more likely to spread if it is not found and treated early.
What you may notice
Look for a new or changing spot, an unusual mole, or a spot that looks different from the others.
02
Basal Cell Carcinoma
BCC begins in the lower part of the epidermis. It often grows slowly over months or years and very rarely spreads, but it can damage nearby skin and tissue if left untreated.
What you may notice
It may appear as a pearly lump, a shiny pink or pale area, or a sore that bleeds, scabs, heals and returns.
03
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCC begins in squamous cells near the surface of the skin. It can grow over weeks or months and, if untreated, may spread to other parts of the body.
What you may notice
It may look like a thick red scaly spot, a rapidly growing lump, or a tender sore that does not heal
What to notice
Not one particular look,
A pattern of change.
01
New
A spot, lump, mole, sore or scaly area that was not there before.
02
Changing
A change in size, shape, colour, texture or sensation.
03
Different
A spot that stands out from the others—the “ugly duckling.”
04
Not Healing
A sore that persists, bleeds, crusts, or seems to heal and return.
ABCDE Skin Cancer Guide
The ABCDE of
Skin Cancer
ABCDE is a useful memory guide, but not every melanoma follows it. Any spot that is new, changing or unusual deserves professional attention.
01
A
Asymmetry
One half does not match the other.
02
B
Border
Irregular, spreading or notched edges.
03
C
Colour
Uneven, blotchy or multiple colours.
04
D
Diameter
A spot that is becoming larger.
05
E
Evolving
Any change in appearance or behaviour.
Quick Answers
Start with your,
questions
Can skin cancer occur where the sun does not shine?
Yes. Skin cancer is more common on sun-exposed skin, but it can occur anywhere on the body. Check from your scalp to the soles of your feet, including between fingers and toes and beneath nails.
Does a skin cancer always hurt?
No. Many skin cancers cause no pain. A spot can be important even when it does not itch, bleed or feel sore.
Is every changing mole a melanoma?
No. Many changes are harmless, but appearance alone cannot confirm a diagnosis. A new or changing spot should be professionally assessed.
Can a photograph diagnose skin cancer?
No. Photos can help record change, but diagnosis may require an in-person examination with a dermatoscope, clinical imaging and sometimes a biopsy.
Listen and Learn
Podcasts and Videos.
Important Knowledge.
Simple explanations you can watch/listen to help improve your skin knowledge! Also available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube
Watch your skin
Watching from head to toe
Practical tips on watching your own body
Coming soon...
Warning signs
New, changing or different
Simple signs to prompt professional assessment
Coming soon...
Skin Cancer Types
Melanoma, BCC and SCC
The three main skin cancers and how they differ
Coming soon...
DO NOT WAIT AND WATCH ALONE
Concerned about a spot?
Arrange an assessment.
Online information and photographs cannot confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. A clinician may examine the skin with a dermatoscope, clinical imaging and, when necessary, arrange a biopsy.
Practical Resources/Tools
Learn. Check.
Take Action.
01
ABCDE Guide
A simple visual reminder for noticing changes.
Downloadable Guide. Coming soon...
02
Where to check?
An at home checklist of where to look and when to take action.
Downloadable Checklist. Coming soon...
03
Record a change
A worksheet for dates, symptoms and questions to take to an appointment.
Downloadable Worksheet. Coming soon...