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About skin cancer

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin.

The skin, like every organ and tissue in the body, is made up of microscopic building blocks known as cells. Skin cancer occurs when these cells become abnormal and begin to grow at an uncontrolled rate.1

There are two main types of skin cancer, classified according to the type of cell where the cancer begins:2

  • Melanoma – accounts for about 1 in 100 skin cancers
  • Non melanoma skin cancer – which primarily include:
    • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)  – about 1 in 3 skin cancers
    • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – about 2 in 3 skin cancers

Skin cancer treatment

Skin cancer can be treated using a variety of approaches, including surgery, radiation therapy, topical medications, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment recommended by your doctors will depend on:1-2

  • The type of skin cancer (melanoma or non-melanoma)
  • Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
  • Your overall health and individual needs
Melanoma treatment
   
Non-melanoma treatment
   

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around two in three Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70.3

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Support services

Cancer Council Australia

Australia’s leading cancer charity, working to reduce the impact of cancer through prevention, support, and research.

Targeting Cancer

Targeting Cancer seeks to raise awareness about radiation therapy as a treatment option for cancer.

Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA)

Melanoma Institute Australia is dedicated to preventing and curing melanoma through innovative, world-class research, treatment and education programs.

Disclaimer:

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.