Skin Cancer FAQs

We reckon it's important to get the facts straight, especially when it comes to something as serious as skin cancer. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked, along with some myths we want to bust.

No bullshit, just the honest truth.

What are the most common questions blokes ask you about skin cancer and protecting themselves from it?

A big one is: "Do men have a higher risk of skin cancer?" The answer is, unfortunately yes we do. But don't stress, being aware is half the battle. Regular check-ups and sun protection are key.

With many of us working outdoors, the usual "just stay out of the sun" is kind of hard to apply, and usually said by someone who has no clue, because we still have to work. Take precautions and follow the lead of the smarter bloke who covers up, wears a hat and sunscreen.

If a bloke only reads one thing on this FAQ page, what's the most important takeaway you want him to remember?

The most important thing? Early detection saves lives. If you spot something suss on your skin, get it checked out ASAP. Don't put it off like many of us guys can do thinking: "Will this go away?"

The simple answer to that is f#ck no.

What are some myths about skin cancer that you'd like to bust on this page?

One myth we hear is that skin cancer only affects older blokes. Not true! While the risks do increase with age ("Are there greater risks for men over 40? Yes."), it can affect anyone. Sun protection is crucial at all ages.

What you do at all ages reducing the risk, but the younger you do it the better, then that is one way to reduce skin cancer risks as you get older.

What kind of language should we use to speak to Aussie men? Should it be formal, informal, or somewhere in between?

We're aiming for somewhere in between. Keep it casual, mate-to-mate kind of chat, but also straight to the point. No need for fancy words or beating around the bush.

Skin Self Check - What Am I Looking For?

Many of us don't do a basic skin check (myself included), and yet when we have a shower, it is something that we should all make a commitment to do once a month or so, but then the next thing is what are we looking for? 

Many of us simply have no clue what we are looking for, so we thought we would give you a rough guide so you know what to keep an eye out for.

Step 1: Get organised

  • Go to a well-lit room with a full-length mirror.
  • Undress completely so you can check your entire body.
  • Use a handheld mirror to see areas that are difficult to view, or ask a partner to help check your back and scalp.

Step 2: Examine your entire body

Head and Neck: Part your hair with a comb or blow dryer to check your scalp. Examine your face, ears, neck, and lips carefully.
Torso: Check your chest, abdomen, and back. Lift your arms to inspect your armpits.
Arms and Hands: Look at the tops and undersides of your arms and hands, including between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Legs and Feet: Inspect your legs and feet, making sure to check the soles of your feet, between your toes, and your toenails.

Step 3: Know what to look for (ABCDEs of melanoma)

Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other.
Border: The edges are irregular, blurred, or poorly defined.
Colour: The colour is not uniform and includes shades of brown, black, blue, red, or white.
Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimetres (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolution: The spot is changing in size, shape, or colour.

Step 4: Other signs to watch for

  • Any sore that does not heal within a few weeks.
  • Any spot that itches, hurts, crusts, or bleeds for more than a few weeks.
  • Pearly or translucent bumps, or red, scaly, or itchy patches of skin.

Step 5: What to do next

  • If you notice any of these changes, show them to your doctor for a professional evaluation.
  • It can be helpful to take photos of any suspicious spots to track changes over time.
  • Talk to your doctor about how often you should have professional skin checks, especially if you are at a higher risk.