Skin cancer prevention

Get to know your skin for the early detection and prevention of skin cancer.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the skin’s pigment cells, known as melanocytes. When the melanocytes combine, they create freckles or moles, most of which are perfectly safe. However, in some cases, melanocytes expand into the lower layers of the skin, and can become a melanoma.

The main cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – like sunlight – although it can occur anywhere on the skin, including places that receive little or no sun exposure, like the soles of your feet or even inside the mouth.*

People with fair or freckled skin, lots of moles, a history of sunburn in childhood or adolescence, or a family history of melanoma may be more at risk.

Melanoma can grow quickly. Untreated, it can spread deeper into the skin and be carried to other parts of the body (like the lungs, liver and brain) via lymph or blood vessels.

How to get a skin check

Find a GP near you

It's important to get a professional skin check annually so we've made it easy for you to book a skin check with a GP near to you.

Book your skin check with a GP

Check your skin at home

In addition to professional skin checks, regular self-checks maximise your chances of detecting melanoma early.

Find out what to look for

Sun-smart tips to protect your skin

When the UV is 3 or higher, use a combination of these measures to protect your skin.

Slip

Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. The best protection comes from closely woven fabrics. For clothes designed for sun protection, the higher the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), the greater the protection.

Slop

Apply a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30+ or higher at least 20 minutes before going outside, as it takes this long to sink into the skin. Reapply every two hours, after swimming and after any activity that causes you to sweat or rub the sunscreen off.

Slap

Wear a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.

Seek

Use shade from trees, umbrellas, buildings or any type of canopy. Be aware that UV radiation is reflective and bounces off surfaces such as concrete, snow, water, soil and sand, causing sun damage even when you think you’re shaded.

Slide

Wear sunglasses that meet the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1067:2003 and have an EPF (eye protection factor) of 10. Close-fitting, wrap-around styles are best.

Visit Cancer Council Victoria's SunSmart website for more information.