Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Regardless of your skin type and family history, everyone is at risk of damage to your skin through sun exposure and developing skin cancer.

There are some very rare genetic syndromes that are passed down through families which can expose people to a higher risk of developing skin cancer, including Gorlin syndrome. People with this syndrome have an increased risk of developing basal cell skin cancers.

The main risk factor that leads to the development of skin cancer is damage to skin cells through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Skin cells can also be damaged through exposure to artificial UV sources such as tanning beds.

Other risk factors include:

• Having a large number of unusual moles
• Fair skin
• Freckles
• Light eye and hair colour
• A tendency for skin to burn rather than tan
• Being immunosuppressed – Immunosuppression is when your natural immune system is weakened. If people are immunosuppressed, they are at an increased risk of developing particularly aggressive skin cancers. One group at risk of skin cancers from immunosuppression are transplant patients
• Undergoing treatment for blood disorders

People who have previously had skin cancer are also at a higher risk of developing further skin cancers.

Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common types of cancer diagnosed in Australia.

In 2020, approximately 580,000 Australians were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers and this incidence is increasing each year.

There are a number of factors that can reduce the risk and frequency of developing non-melanoma skin cancers. These include:

• Avoiding sun exposure – The main way to minimise your risk of non-melanoma skin cancer is to reduce your sun exposure as best as possible, including avoiding the sun during the hottest parts of the day.  If you can’t stay out of the sun, then it’s important to cover your exposed body areas as best you can
• Protect your skin with sunscreen – It is recommended that you wear SPF50+ sunscreen and apply this liberally and frequently while you are exposed to the sun. Applying sunscreen is encouraged as part of your daily ritual
• Get regular skin cancer checks – Get your skin checked regularly by a doctor who specialises in skin cancer, particularly when you start to notice any sun damage or changes to your skin

Protecting your skin can reduce the number of cancers you get and the aggressiveness of these cancers. If you have previously had skin cancer, you are more likely to develop further skin cancers as you already have some level of sun damage.

As we get older, it’s very common to start to develop signs of sun damage. This is why you should get your skin checked by a doctor that specialises in skin cancers. It is recommended that you have a skin cancer check once every 12 months, however this will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are showing signs of sun damage, your doctor may encourage you to get skin cancer checks more regularly.

Regardless of the level of sun damage or the type of skin cancer, the earlier that skin cancer is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated and managed.

If you notice any changes in your skin that resemble skin cancer symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment with a doctor who specialises in skin cancer.

At Icon, we are proud to offer the latest in skin cancer screening at several of our centres across Australia. Learn more.

To learn more about checking for signs of skin cancer, visit Cancer Council Australia.

It’s important to protect all areas of your body from the sun, including your eyes. Unprotected sun exposure can result in burns to the eyes, just like the skin, leading to cancer of the cornea (the outermost layer of the eye) or conjunctiva (thin layer that covers the front part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) and increasing the risk of cataracts.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists endorse the following ways to protect your eyes from sun damage and related cancers.

Cancer Council Australia recommend using eye protection when the UV (ultraviolet) index is greater than 3 by:

• Reducing exposure to UV sunlight (and other sources) as much as possible
• Using wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian & New Zealand Standards
• Wearing a broad-rimmed or bucket hat to aid further UV protection

There is strong evidence to suggest that vitamin D is essential to strengthen bones and maintain skeletal health. While some vitamin D can be obtained from diet, our main source of vitamin D is from the sun.

Based on the position statement approved by the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Cancer Council Australia, Endocrine Society of Australia and Osteoporosis Australia, the following recommendations have been made for the general healthy population.

When the UV index* is below 3:

• It isn’t recommended to use sun protection
• It’s recommended to spend some time outside in the middle of the day on most days to help increase vitamin D production

When the UV index* is 3 or above:

• It’s recommended to use sun protection in the form of wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and shade if you are going to be outside for more than a few minutes
• In some places of Australia during the cooler months, the UV index may still exceed 3 in the middle of the day. It’s important to check the UV index specific to your location and use a combination of sun protection measures

*UV Index statistics can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology website. The Cancer Council also have a free Sun Smart app for all smartphone users.

Icon delivers Australia’s largest private cancer clinical trials and research program participating in international and national trials across medical oncology, haematology and radiation oncology. If you would like more information on participating in a clinical trial, please speak with your doctor.

See current clinical trials delivered by Icon Cancer Centre.

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2. Cancer.net (2020). Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Introduction. Retrieved 22 November 2021 from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/skin-cancer-non-melanoma/introduction
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