Living in Australia comes with its perks—beautiful beaches, plenty of sunshine, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Unfortunately, it also comes with some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Whether you’ve grown up applying sunscreen thanks to the “Slip, Slop, Slap” campaign or you’re just now catching up with “Seek and Slide,” one thing is clear: skin cancer doesn’t discriminate.
While everyone is at risk, one group stands out for their sun-loving ways and reluctance to act – MEN.
Skin Cancer: The Numbers Don’t Lie
- Over 400,000 Australians are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) every year
- In 2022, 17,756 Australians were diagnosed with melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer. Alarmingly, 65% of these cases were men
- In 2020, out of 1,401 melanoma-related deaths, 939 were men
- Each year, 1,300 Australians die from skin cancer—more than those lost to transport accidents
The good news? If caught early, 90% of melanomas can be successfully treated.
Why Are Men More at Risk?
- Sunscreen
Sun protection is crucial. While many women include sunscreen as part of their daily skincare routine, men are more likely to skip it. Research shows women are far more diligent with SPF application, leaving men exposed to harmful UV rays. - Outdoor Lifestyles
From backyard BBQs to mowing the lawn and dominating outdoor-heavy industries like trades (where 83.8% of workers are men), men spend more time outside during peak UV hours. - Thicker Skin Isn’t Always Better
Men’s skin contains less fat and more collagen, making it more vulnerable to UV damage. Additionally, without oestrogen—which boosts the immune response to fight melanoma—men face a tougher battle.
Early Detection is Key
Skin cancer is easiest to treat when detected early. Knowing the warning signs is vital.
The 3 Main Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- A slow-growing non-melanoma cancer that rarely spreads
- Often appears as pearly white, shiny pink, or red lumps, or dry, scaly patches of skin
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Typically found on sun-exposed areas or skin affected by burns or inflammatory conditions, particularly in darker skin tones.
- Appears as thick, red, scaly patches or lesions that don’t heal and may be painful.
Melanoma
The most dangerous form, caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun, solariums, or severe sunburns.
Risk factors include:- Having 50+ moles, or 10+ on the arms.
- A history of blistering sunburns, particularly in childhood.
- A high number of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).
- A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
Remember the ABCDE’s of Melanoma Detection:
- Asymmetry: Does one half look different to the other?
- Border: Are the edges irregular?
- Colour: Does it have multiple colours?
- Diameter: 6mm and smaller is ok – over 7mm is not!
- Evolution: Has it changed over time?
How to Examine Your Skin
A thorough self-check every season can make all the difference:
- Use a full-length mirror to inspect your entire body.
- Don’t forget hidden spots like your scalp, between your toes, and under your nails.
- Focus on areas most exposed to the sun, such as your face, ears, forearms, and calves.
If you notice something unusual, don’t panic—most skin cancers are treatable when caught early.
When to See a GP
There are two main reasons to book a skin check with your GP:
- You’ve found something unusual. Your GP can examine it closely using tools like a dermatoscope.
- You’re at high risk. Regular skin checks every 1-3 years are essential if you’re fair-skinned, have a family history of skin cancer, or spend extended time in the sun.
What to Expect During a Skin Check
Feeling nervous about a skin check? Don’t be. These checks are quick, non-invasive, and your dignity is respected throughout the process. You’ll have privacy during the examination, and your GP will carefully inspect your skin.
If further action is needed, your GP may:
- Perform a biopsy for further testing.
- Remove the lesion using local anaesthetic.
- Freeze suspicious spots using cryosurgery.
For more complex cases, your GP might refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Be Skin Smart with Sage Medical
At Sage Medical, we make skin checks easy and stress-free. Whether you’ve spotted a suspicious mole or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Both Dr Leon Teo and Dr Tara Hillen have a keen interest in skin health and cancer checks.
