With Australia’s high UV index and naturally sun-harsh environment, it is no surprise we live in a country with the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Whilst melanoma rates are decreasing – as more people are becoming aware of the necessary steps to prevention and early diagnosis – skin cancer rates are still high in Australia, with the incidence higher in men than women.

Our high UV index is not the only reason why Australian men are susceptible to skin cancer; studies have found that Australian men are less likely than women to visit a doctor if they find anything suspicious on their skin – including spots, moles and persistent itches. This is a risky attitude, as early diagnosis is the key is preventing skin cancer deaths. According to the Regional Men’s Health Initiative, an indifferent approach to skin cancer is once of the reasons for this high mortality rate. […]

Many people in Australia are diagnosed with cancers each year, but the skin cancers that lead the pack are non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Although these skin cancers are not usually life threatening, it is important to diagnose and treat early, because once someone is diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer, they are at significant risk of other more serious forms of skin cancer. […]