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Check your skin for signs of skin cancer

Doctors are more likely to be able to treat skin cancer successfully if it is caught early on. There are two main types of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma.

Non-melanoma skin cancer

This type of skin cancer is the most common and easily treatable. It mainly affects older people and is usually found on areas of skin you expose to the sun. Signs to look out for include:

• a new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks
• a spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed
• persistent skin ulcers that are not explained by other causes.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can affect young people but becomes more common as you get older. It is most common in women on the legs and in men on the chest and back.

See your doctor immediately if you have a mole that:

• is new or growing
• has a ragged edge
• contains different colours
• is inflamed or has a red edge
• is bleeding, oozing or crusting
• feels funny or itches
• is bigger than all your other moles.

For more information about how to check your moles visit the SunSmart website.