When it come to Skin Cancer Types, there are three main types of skin cancer:
BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma)
• The most common, usually is of pink colour and may bleed or feel itchy
• Grows locally (potentially more dangerous on the face)
SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
• More serious as it can spread to the lymph glands and beyond
• Often arises from sunspots, can be scaly and tender
Melanoma
• The most dangerous as it can spread via the blood stream throughout the body
• Can arise anywhere on the body, including the face, scalp, lips, ears, under fingernails or toe nails (brown stripes), on the soles of feet, and in areas that have never seen the sun!
• Can be raised or flat, fast or slow growing and can even be without the brown pigment.
Melanoma is the third most common life threatening cancer in both men and women overall. Sun burn is the leading cause of melanoma with over 95% of cases caused from exposure to Ultra Violet radiation. On average at any given weekend, 1 in 5 people aged into their teens and 1 in 8 adults are sun burnt in Australia.
Do you know what is your best defence against skin cancer? Sun Protection and Early Detection!
For more Information visit The Cancer Council Website.