We don’t all need regular skin cancer screening – but you can know your risk and check yourself

Australia’s Skin Cancer Conundrum: Why We Don’t Have a National Screening Program

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally, with nearly 19,000 Australians diagnosed with invasive melanoma – the most lethal type of skin cancer – each year. While advanced melanoma can be fatal, it is highly treatable when detected early. However, Australian clinical practice guidelines and health authorities do not recommend screening for melanoma in the general population.

The Current Approach

On top of the 19,000 invasive melanoma diagnoses each year, around 28,000 people are diagnosed with in-situ melanoma. Instead of a blanket screening program, Australia promotes skin protection, skin awareness, and regular skin checks (at least annually) for those at high risk.

Why Not Just Do Skin Checks for Everyone?

The goal of screening is to find disease early, before symptoms appear, which helps save lives and reduce morbidity. However, there are a couple of reasons a national screening program is not yet in place.

We need to ask:

1. Does it save lives?

Many researchers would argue this is the goal of universal screening. However, while universal skin cancer screening would likely lead to more melanoma diagnoses, this might not necessarily save lives. It could result in indolent (slow-growing) cancers being diagnosed that might have never caused harm. This is known as “overdiagnosis”.

2. Is it value for money?

Implementing a nationwide screening program involves significant investment and resources. Its value to the health system would need to be calculated, to ensure this is the best use of resources.

Narrower Targets for Better Results

Instead of screening everyone, targeting high-risk groups has shown better results. This focuses efforts where they’re needed most. Risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, red hair, a history of sunburns, many moles, and/or a family history.

Looking with New Technological Eyes

Technological advances are improving the accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis and risk assessment. For example, researchers are investigating 3D total body skin imaging to monitor changes to spots and moles over time.

Check Yourself – 4 Things to Look For

Skin cancer can affect all skin types, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with your own skin. The Skin Cancer College Australasia has introduced a guide called SCAN your skin, which tells people to look for skin spots or areas that are: sore, changing, abnormal, and new.

Conclusion

While a national screening program is not currently in place, targeting high-risk groups has shown better results. Technological advances are also improving the accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis and risk assessment. By becoming familiar with our own skin and taking steps to prevent skin cancer, we can reduce our risk of developing this disease.

FAQs

• Why is skin cancer so common in Australia?
  • Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally, due to its strong UV radiation from the sun and other sources.
• What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
  • Fair skin, red hair, a history of sunburns, many moles, and/or a family history are all risk factors for skin cancer.
• Can skin cancer be cured?
  • While advanced melanoma can be fatal, it is highly treatable when detected early. If caught at an early stage, skin cancer can be cured with surgery and other treatments.
• How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer?
  • By becoming familiar with your own skin, taking steps to prevent skin cancer, and getting regular skin checks, you can reduce your risk of developing this disease.