Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, with 80 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia being skin cancer. Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lower layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). The epidermis contains three different types of cells: squamous cells, basal cells and melanocytes.

Skin cancer is predominantly caused by an accumulation of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVR) penetrating the skin and damaging these living cells.

The majority of skin cancers if detected early can be successfully treated and cured. Even the more serious types of skin cancers like melanomas can be cured in 95 per cent of cases if found and treated early.

Click on the links below to find out more information about the early detection of skin cancer.

• Types of skin cancer
• Skin cancer self examination
• Skin checks
  
  

More information

For more information regarding skin cancer, speak to your doctor or call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

Click here to learn how to prevent skin cancer.