Skin cancer: early intervention matters

In 2023, over 18 thousand new melanoma cases were diagnosed in Australia. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world and as such, maintaining a sun safe routine is imperative for all skin types. While some biological factors can increase your risk of developing melanoma, preventable factors such as reducing sun exposure can significantly reduce your risk.

Local competitive surfer, Arabella Tarpey from Newcastle, Australia experienced a rude awakening as a teen upon receiving a skin cancer diagnosis. Despite being young, healthy and fit, she never expected to be concerned with skin cancer so young.

To help highlight how important sun safety is and how preventable melanoma can be, Arabella Tarpey features in the documentary, ‘Conquering skin cancer’ alongside Hugh Jackman, world champion surfer Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholemew, Olympian Cate Campbell and 2024 Australians of the Year Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long.

The documentary will premiere at Event Cinemas Kotara on 4 December.

Click here to book tickets.

Ways to reduce your risk of developing melanoma

Avoid intentional sun exposure: Never intentionally expose your skin to the sun. There is no such thing as a ‘healthy’ tan.
Wear sunscreen every day: Incorporate wearing sunscreen into your daily routine, even in winter or on cloudy days. Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) with at least an SPF 30 rating.
Use sun-protective clothing: Wear sun-protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to shield your body from harmful UV rays.
Avoid peak sun hours: Seek shade during the middle of the day (1pm to 3pm), when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Refrain from tanning beds: Indoor tanning has been linked to an increased risk of melanoma development by up to 75%. Melanoma is one of the top three cancers diagnosed in young adults (ages 25-29), a trend which has been attributed to the use of tanning beds among this age group, particularly young women.
Protect children: A single severe sunburn in childhood can double a child’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.

How to check yourself for potential melanoma

When assessing your skin, there are a few key details to look out for which may indicate a suspicious mole or growth. One method is using the ABCDE criteria listed below or using the ‘ugly duckling’ method which involves checking whether any moles or growths on your body don’t look like the rest. This type of mole or growth is called an ‘ugly duckling’ and is best brought to the attention of your healthcare provider soon as possible upon spotting.

A – Asymmetrical. Look for moles or growths that are asymmetrical or uneven
B – Border. Does a mole of growth have an irregular border?
C – Colour. Does a mole or growth have multiple colours?
D – Diameter. Is the diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser?
E – Evolved. Has the size gotten bigger in size or thickness?

How often should you be checked for skin cancer?

While there’s no set guidelines for how often adult Australians should get their skin checked, the Cancer Council recommends regular monitoring of your own skin via self-examination and to visit a GP should you notice any changes or suspicious moles or growths.

If you are at higher risk of developing skin cancer, it is recommended to discuss with your healthcare provider who can provide guidelines on how frequently you should check your skin. In some cases, a full skin examination may be recommended to conduct every 6 to 12 months.