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Melanoma
Skin cancers caused mainly by
ultra violet radiation from the sun have three main types:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In fact,
of the 1,200 skin cancer deaths in Australia each year, 80%
are from melanoma. Melanoma usually begins in the skin but
if not detected early and treated properly melanoma can spread
to other parts of the body.
Melanoma can occur in all age groups from the late teens
through to old age. In Australia, more than 6,000 people are
diagnosed with melanoma each year. Melanoma is the fourth
most common cancer in Australia and incidence rates are increasing.
It is estimated that one in 35 Australians will develop melanoma
by the age of 75.
Anyone who has had unprotected exposure to the sun is at
risk of developing melanoma. However, there are certain risk
factors that mean some people are more likely to develop melanoma
than others. These include:
- unprotected exposure to the sun in the first fifteen years
of life (this more than doubles the chance of getting skin
cancer later in life)
- spending a lot of time in the sun
- having a lot of moles
- having skin which burns easily and doesn’t tan
- having a family history of melanoma.
What are the signs or symptoms?
It is important to check your skin regularly and see your
general practitioner (GP) if you notice any of the following:
- a new freckle, mole, sunspot or unhealed sore on your
skin
- a spot that looks different from other spots around it
- a spot that has changed in colour size or shape over the
last few weeks or months
- a spot which becomes rough, scaly or ulcerated or bleeds,
weeps or itches.
The quicker you spot the change, the easier it is to deal
with. In fact, over 90 per cent of melanoma can be cured when treated
in its early stages.
How can I prevent melanoma?
The best way to prevent melanoma is to stay out of the
sun whenever you can, particularly between 10am and 3pm.
When in the sun, protect yourself by:
- staying in the shade whenever you can, including under
trees, shelters and umbrellas
- slipping on a shirt made from tightly woven fabric,
with sleeves and a high neck or collar
- slopping on a broad spectrum water resistant sun screen
with an SPF rating of at least 15+
- slapping on a wide-brimmed hat or legionnaires cap that
shades the face, neck and ears.
How can melanoma be treated?
Possible treatments for melanoma include:
- Surgery - This is the most common method of treatment.
It is used to remove all the cancer in the hope of a cure.
- Chemotherapy - This is a course of drugs given to kill
or control the cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used for
people with melanoma that has travelled through the body.
- Radiotherapy - This is a course of X-rays
given to kill or control the cancer cells. Radiotherapy
may be used for people with melanoma that has travelled
to specific parts of the body and is causing symptoms, or
used following surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer
returning, or used following surgery to reduce the risk
of the cancer returning.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your general practitioner (GP) or contact:
- NSW Cancer Council's
Cancer Information Service, tel 131 120 or (02) 9334
1933, toll free 1800 422 760, TTY (for the deaf) (02) 9334
1865.
- Sydney Melanoma Unit
tel: (02) 9515 6060
- Newcastle Melanoma Unit
tel: (02) 49 211 806
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