The signs, risks and facts everyone should know

With approximately 2 in 3 Australians expected to be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, skin cancer is a significant health concern in Australia.

Yet there are still important things many people don’t know about skin cancer, from what early warning signs can look like to how often you should check your skin and when a spot deserves professional attention. Understanding your risk and knowing what to look for can help you take action early.

For employers, skin cancer prevention is also an important part of supporting the health and wellbeing of employees, particularly for teams who regularly work outdoors or spend significant time in the sun. Get in touch with us today to discover how we can help you support the health and wellbeing of your team.

The skin cancer facts most Australians don’t know

It doesn’t always look suspicious

Skin cancer can appear as a new or changing spot, lesion or growth that may initially seem harmless. Changes in size, shape, colour or texture can be worth having checked, particularly if a spot is new, changing or doesn’t heal.

Early detection matters

Knowing what changes to look for and checking your skin regularly can help identify potential skin cancers earlier. If you notice something new or changing, a medical professional can assess it and determine whether further investigation is needed.

Anyone can be at risk

Sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer, but it isn’t limited to people who spend every day outdoors or have experienced severe sunburn. Protecting your skin from UV exposure and staying aware of changes can form an important part of skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer doesn’t always look like cancer

Skin cancer doesn’t always appear as a dark or unusual mole. A new bump, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a changing spot can all be signs of skin cancer. Each can look different; the three main types are:

• Melanoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Most skin cancers are found too late

Early detection can make a significant difference to how skin cancer is managed. Knowing the signs and symptoms, checking your skin regularly and getting changes assessed early can help identify skin cancer before it becomes more difficult to treat.

Skin cancers identified early are often easier to treat than those found at a later stage. If skin cancer is diagnosed, a healthcare professional can recommend the appropriate treatment based on the type, location and stage of the cancer.

A Reminder to Check Your Skin

Check your whole body

Look over your skin from head to toe, including your scalp, neck, back, between your fingers and toes, and the soles of your feet.

Look for changes

Take note of new spots or changes in existing moles, marks or growths.

Watch for persistent symptoms

Pay attention to spots that bleed, crust, itch, hurt or don’t heal.

Don’t rely on appearance alone

Skin cancer can have different signs and symptoms, so a spot doesn’t need to look obviously unusual to warrant attention.

See a healthcare professional

If you notice something new, changing or concerning, arrange an assessment rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.

Why workplace skin checks catch what you miss

It’s easy to put off a skin check when there is always something else competing for your attention. Outdoor workers may have significant cumulative UV exposure, but spending most of the day indoors doesn’t mean skin cancer risk disappears.

Makes checking your skin easier

On-site appointments bring qualified health professionals to your workplace, making it easier for employees to prioritise a skin check without having to arrange a separate appointment.

Helps identify changes you may overlook

Individual consultations can help identify and monitor suspicious spots, moles and other changes that an employee may not have noticed themselves.

Works across Australia and New Zealand

BizHealth has been providing corporate health and wellness services since 2002 and brings its services directly to workplaces. Its workplace skin check programs are available across Australia and New Zealand, with private and confidential consultations conducted on-site.

Learn more about on-site workplace skin checks and how BizHealth can bring skin health services directly to your team.

Set up an on-site skin check campaign today

At BizHealth, we make it easier for your team to prioritise skin health by bringing on-site skin checks directly to your workplace. Our workplace skin check campaigns are designed to be convenient and minimally disruptive, helping employees take time to check their skin without needing to leave work for a separate appointment.

With services available across Australia and New Zealand, we can help your organisation make skin cancer awareness and early detection part of your workplace health and wellbeing program. Submit an enquiry with us to get started today.