A doctor unpacks the skin cancer signs every Aussie should know about.

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In Australia, sunshine is part of who we are. From an early-morning surf to a weekend barbie, outdoor living defines our lifestyle.

Unfortunately, our love of the outdoors comes with a serious downside: Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest skin-cancer rates in the world.

The combination of a thinner ozone layer, clear skies, and reflective environments means our UV index is often extreme, even when it doesn't feel hot.

Every day, doctors diagnose hundreds of new skin-cancer cases that might have been prevented or detected earlier. A lot of what we see in clinic could have been picked up months earlier if someone had recognised the signs.

This comprehensive guide brings together expert insights on detection, prevention, treatment and innovation – so we can protect the skin we live in.

Watch: The warning signs of ovarian cancer you shouldn't ignore. Post continues below.

‍Understanding the different types of skin cancer.

One of the biggest myths is that all skin cancers are brown. Some are pink, some red, and some are skin-coloured. What matters is if they change.

There isn't just one kind of skin cancer – there are several, and they behave differently:

Melanoma: The most serious and potentially life-threatening form. Around two-thirds of melanomas appear as new moles, while the remaining third arise from changes in existing ones.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type. These spots are usually pink, pale or scaly, and may itch, bleed, or crust.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Typically rough, red or crusted patches or nodules that don't heal. SCCs can spread if ignored.

SCAN: How to spot the early warning signs.

Between professional skin checks, the SCAN method is a simple way to keep an eye on your skin at home.

Scan all over your body for spots, including soles of feet and hands, scalp and skin that doesn't see much sunlight. Use a mirror or ask someone to help check hard to reach areas like your back.  

S = Sore: Any spot that is sore, itching or bleeding and has not healed within six weeks.

C = Changing: Any spot that is changing in size, shape, colour or texture.

A = Abnormal: The ugly duckling – a spot that looks or feels different from the rest.

N = New: Any new spot, especially if you're over 40, deserves attention.

If you notice something new, changing or abnormal, don't wait - book a professional check.

Those with risk factors — fair skin, sunburns or sunbed use, family or personal history of skin cancer, lots of moles, or outdoor hobbies or jobs — should be checked every 6–12 months. 

When caught early, melanoma survival rates exceed 90 percent. Once it spreads deeper, treatment becomes more complicated and survival rates drop steeply, so early detection truly matters.

Sun Safety 101: Sunscreen and SPF.

• SPF 50+ broad-spectrum is the gold standard. It blocks around 98 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent.

• Apply generously 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. 

• Don't forget to apply SPF to all skin not covered by clothing, including legs and feet.  

• Many people don't realise that you can get sun damage while driving or sitting near a window. Glass blocks UVB (the rays that burn) but not UVA (the ones that age skin and can contribute to some cancers).

• Makeup containing SPF is a great bonus, but not a substitute. To achieve the labelled SPF, you'd need to apply an extremely thick layer. Always apply a primary SPF under any makeup.

Beyond sunscreen: Everyday prevention.

True sun safety is about layering defences, not relying on one product.

• Avoid being outdoors when the UV index peaks (roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Early-morning or late-afternoon activities are safer, and more comfortable.

• Modern UPF 50+ clothing makes covering up easy. Fabrics are lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable, ideal for the beach, hiking or sport.

• Choose wide-brimmed hats that shade your face, ears and neck - baseball caps simply don't cut it.

• Clothing + sunscreen + shade = maximum safety. Add sunglasses for your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

How much sun is 'safe'?

There's really no such thing as safe UV exposure, but there are safer ways to get it.

We all need some sunlight for vitamin D, yet in Australia the sun is so strong that most fair-skinned people get enough in just a few minutes in summer, even whilst wearing sunscreen.

If you have darker skin, a low vitamin D level or a history of skin cancer, you may need to  increase your dietary vitamin D intake or take a supplement. This is safer than relying on longer sun exposure.

Every bit of UV exposure accumulates over your lifetime. The less you can add to that total, the better.

Protecting children's skin.

Finally, if there's one message for parents, it's this: sunburn in childhood leaves lasting scars.

A single blistering burn before 20 can double or triple the risk of melanoma later in life. Start early; hats, long-sleeved swimwear, sunscreen before school and sport. For babies under six months, avoid direct sun entirely and use shade instead.

Your skin is your largest organ and your lifelong companion. Protecting it doesn't mean hiding from the sun; it means being smarter in it.

This fact sheet was originally published by MoleMap. Download the full fact sheet here.

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