One of the most common questions Australians ask when they notice a new or changing spot is: how quickly could this become dangerous? The answer depends entirely on the type of skin cancer, but in Western Australia’s extreme UV environment, understanding growth rates can make the difference between early detection and a more serious diagnosis.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and Western Australia’s intense sun exposure means many of us will develop at least one skin cancer in our lifetime.

Knowing how fast different types of skin cancer grow helps you recognise when a spot needs urgent attention.

Different Types, Different Growth Rates

Not all skin cancers behave the same way. Growth rates vary significantly depending on the type, location, and individual factors like immune health and sun damage history.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in Australia and typically the slowest growing. Most BCCs develop over months or even years, appearing as a small, shiny bump or a persistent sore that doesn’t heal.

Because BCCs grow slowly, many people dismiss them as minor skin irritations. However, while they rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can cause significant local damage if left untreated. In WA, outdoor workers often develop BCCs on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and neck.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) grows faster than BCC, often developing over weeks to months. SCCs commonly appear as scaly, red patches, firm lumps, or ulcers that bleed easily.

In Western Australia’s outdoor industries, SCCs are particularly common among workers with cumulative sun exposure. Unlike BCCs, SCCs have a higher risk of spreading if not caught early, making regular monitoring essential.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and can grow rapidly. Some melanomas develop over just a few weeks, while others may take months. The speed of growth often depends on the subtype.

Nodular melanoma, in particular, can appear suddenly and grow quickly, sometimes doubling in size within weeks. This makes recognising early warning signs critical for Australian residents.

Superficial spreading melanoma, the most common type in Australia, tends to grow more slowly at first before entering a vertical growth phase where it becomes dangerous.

Why Growth Rate Matters in Western Australia

Western Australia’s geography creates unique challenges. The state’s long hours of intense sunlight, reflective environments, and outdoor-heavy industries mean residents accumulate significant UV damage throughout their lives.

Even slow-growing cancers can become problematic when detection is delayed. In regional and remote areas of WA, where access to screening services can be limited, a cancer that might have been straightforward to treat early can progress to a more complex stage.

This is why Skin ChX community screening programmes travel throughout Western Australia, bringing professional skin checks to areas where access is otherwise difficult. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, regardless of how fast a cancer is growing.

Warning Signs of Fast-Growing Lesions

While some skin cancers announce themselves clearly, others are subtle. Pay attention to any spot that:

• Grows noticeably larger over weeks or months
• Changes colour, shape, or texture rapidly
• Bleeds, crusts, or ulcerates without healing
• Feels tender, itchy, or painful
• Appears suddenly and looks different from surrounding skin

If you notice any of these changes, don’t wait to see if it resolves on its own. Fast-growing lesions need prompt assessment.

Regular self-skin checks help you become familiar with your skin’s normal pattern. When you know what’s usual for you, it becomes much easier to spot something new or changing.

When to Seek Professional Assessment

The safest approach in WA’s high-risk environment is routine screening by a qualified skin cancer screening practitioner. Most Australians benefit from annual full-body checks, but some groups need more frequent monitoring:

• Outdoor workers with daily sun exposure
• People with a personal history of skin cancer
• Those with many moles or atypical lesions
• Anyone who has noticed a new or changing spot

At Skin ChX, comprehensive skin checks use advanced dermoscopy to assess lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. Our practitioners are trained to identify the subtle features that distinguish benign spots from those requiring further investigation.

For West Australians in regional areas like Port Hedland, Esperance, or the Pilbara, accessing professional screening can be challenging. Skin ChX addresses this by bringing screening services directly to communities, workplaces, and remote locations across the state.

Time is Your Greatest Advantage

The question “how fast do skin cancers grow?” matters because the answer affects your window for treatment. Slow-growing cancers offer a longer opportunity for detection, but fast-growing melanomas demand vigilance and prompt action.

In Western Australia, where skin cancer rates remain among the highest globally, your best protection is awareness combined with regular professional screening. Whether a cancer grows over weeks or years, catching it early always leads to better outcomes.

If you’ve noticed a spot that concerns you, or if it’s been more than a year since your last check, don’t delay. Book a comprehensive assessment and give yourself the advantage of early detection.