Melanoma Skin Cancer

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

The risk of melanoma is increased where there is a history of melanoma in an immediate family member (first degree relative).

The main risk factor for melanoma skin cancer is damage to skin cells through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This includes periods of sunburn, particularly during childhood. 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 moles or increased number of unusual moles

• Fair skin

• Freckles

• Light eye and hair colour

• A tendency for skin to burn rather than tan

• Being immunosuppressed – If your natural immune system is weakened (known as being immunosuppressed), you are at an increased risk of developing skin cancers, particularly aggressive skin cancers.

• Previous history of having melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers

Melanoma skin cancers are the fourth most common types of cancer diagnosed in Australia, with this incidence expected to increase in the future.

In 2021, it is estimated that there will be almost 17,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in Australia.

There are numerous factors that can reduce your risk of developing melanoma skin cancers. These include:

Avoiding sun exposure – The main way to minimise your risk of 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 as 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 skin cancer is diagnosed, the better it can be treated and managed.

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

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

Icon offers clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types and treatments. If you would like more information on participating in a clinical trial, please speak with your doctor who will be able to find a trial that might be right for you and your cancer.

See current clinical trials delivered by Icon Cancer Centre.

1. Cancer Council (2021) Melanoma. Retrieved on 24 November 2021 from https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer/melanoma.html

2. Cancer Council (2021). What is Skin Cancer? Retrieved on 24 November 2021 from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer

3. Australian Government: Cancer Australia (2020). Types of melanoma. Retrieved 24 November 2021 from https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/melanoma-skin/types-melanoma 

4. Melanoma Institute Australia (2021). Stages of melanoma. Retrieved on 24 November 2021 from https://www.melanoma.org.au/understanding-melanoma/stages-of-melanoma/

5. Australian Government: Cancer Australia (2020). Melanoma of the skin – statistics. Retrieved 24 November 2021 from https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/melanoma-skin/types-melanoma