What is skin cancer? | Skin cancer explained

Quick facts about skin cancer

Over 90% of skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to UV rays from the sun
Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are both non-melanoma skin cancers
Melanoma is the most serious of skin cancers

Types of skin cancer

There are two main types of skin cancer, depending on which type of cell the cancer starts in:

Melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma skin cancer develops in the cells that produce melanin, which are the cells that give skin colour.

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Non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer encompasses all skin cancers that are not melanoma skin cancer

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Frequently asked questions

Yes. Unprotected sun exposure can result in burns to the eyes, just like the skin, resulting in and cancer of the cornea (the outermost layer of the eye) or conjunctiva (thin layer that covers the front part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) and increases the risk of cataracts.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists endorse the following points in protecting your eyes from sun damage and related cancers.
- Reducing exposure to UV sunlight (and other sources) as much as possible.
- Using wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian & New Zealand Standards.
- Wear a broad-rimmed or bucket hat to aid further UV protection.
There is strong evidence to suggest that vitamin D is essential in making strong bones and maintaining skeletal health. Whilst some vitamin D can be obtained from the diet, our main source of vitamin D is from the sun.
Based on the position statement approved by the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Cancer Council Australia, Endocrine Society of Australia and Osteoporosis Australia, the following recommendations have been made for the general healthy population:
When the UV index* is below 3:
- It is not recommended to use sun protection
- It is recommended to spend some time outside in the middle of the day on most days to aid vitamin D production.
When the UV index* is 3 or above:
- It is recommended to use sun protection in the form of; wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and shade if you are going to be outside for more than a few minutes.