Western Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Our climate, outdoor lifestyle, and long hours of sun exposure mean that every West Aussie from coastal communities to inland mining towns face a lifelong risk of developing skin cancer. Yet many people still go without regular skin checks due to […]
Most Australians associate skin cancer with the summer sun — and with good reason. Yet beneath that familiar story lies another: cancers that form not from UV damage, but from changes in immunity and viral infection. Our skin isn’t just a barrier; it’s an immune organ. Every day, immune cells patrol its surface, repairing damage and […]
When we think about skin cancer, the image that usually comes to mind is someone who’s spent years in the harsh Australian sun. But not every case fits that story. Some skin cancers develop because of toxic exposures, chronic injury, or inherited conditions that quietly change the way our skin behaves. These causes are rare, […]
We all know the message: slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide. Sun safety has been the cornerstone of Australian skin-cancer prevention for decades. And rightly so — the majority of skin cancers we see in clinics are directly linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But what’s less understood is that not every skin cancer starts with […]
Melanoma of the palms, also referred to as acral melanoma, is an uncommon but high-risk type of skin cancer. The unique skin structure and pigmentation patterns of the palms make diagnostic assessment more complex compared with other body sites. As a skin cancer screening practitioner, the use of structured diagnostic algorithms combined with distributive dermoscopy […]
The skin around the eyes is among the most delicate on the body. It is thin, highly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and often neglected when applying sunscreen. Decades of sunbathing with eyes closed provided no real protection — ultraviolet rays penetrated the eyelids, causing long-term cellular damage. This explains why basal cell carcinoma (BCC), […]
Skin cancers that develop on the back can pose a serious challenge for early detection. Unlike the face, arms, or legs, the back is difficult for individuals to observe regularly, which means lesions may go unnoticed until they become advanced. For skin cancer screening practitioners, applying a systematic method of dermoscopic assessment—beginning with recognition of […]
When it comes to skin cancer, the arms are one of the most frequently affected areas I see in screenings. They are constantly exposed to the sun during our daily activities, yet many people don’t realise just how vulnerable this part of the body is. In Western Australia, where we live with some of the […]
When people think of skin cancer, they often picture the face, shoulders, or arms—areas that get the most sun. But one of the most overlooked and high-risk zones is the legs. In fact, legs are one of the most common places for skin cancers to develop, particularly Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs), and they’re also the […]
When most people think about skin cancer, they immediately picture the face, arms, or shoulders. These are the areas we see in the mirror and tend to protect with sunscreen or clothing. But there’s one part of the body that is often forgotten, yet consistently exposed to harsh ultraviolet (UV) radiation: the neck. Living in […]
