Skin Cancer Facts

by Simon Webster

Skin is the largest organ of our body.

Our skin is a good indicator of our general health so it's important we take very, very good care of it. The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutis.

The sun is what causes the most damage amongst many people. In addition to the risk of skin cancer, the sun damages the top layer of skin (epidermis) with each exposure. Researchers estimate that exposure to sunlight's UVA and UVB rays counts for 90% of the symptoms of skin aging

Here are some key facts you need to know about skin cancer:

  • Skin cancer is Australia's most common cancer.
  • Over 2000 people a day are treated for skin cancer in Australia.
  • 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70
  • More than 12,500 cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Australia every year.
  • Melanoma causes around 2000 deaths per year.
  • Melanoma is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in Australia.
  • Men are more than 2.5 times as likely to die from melanoma.

Winter is a great time to get your skin checked. Almost all skin cancers, including melanoma, are curable if detected early.

Now is the time to book in that skin check. 

Your skin is here for the journey so look after it. 

 

 

 

Back to Our Stories