No Appointment Necessary - April 2026 SWAN

When did you last have your skin checked? 

Recently, at squash, I spotted a lesion growing on someone’s leg. This prompted me to be a nuisance and encourage the person to attend a skin check clinic. It took a couple of weeks of me nagging and the person finally made an appointment. They’re not yet aware of the biopsy result, however, have been told by the specialist that it is highly likely to be a skin cancer.

That then prompted me to remind everyone to get your skin checked regularly.

There are many factors that determine how often you will need a skin check. The specialist checking your skin will assess your risk factors to determine how often you will need a skin check.

🔗There are MANY skin check clinics in Perth.Or just pay a visit to your GP.

Below are some interesting facts

·         69,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in Melbourne yearly.

·         160,000 treatments are provided for non-melanoma skin cancers in Victoria yearly.

·         130+ people require Emergency Department for sunburn in Melbourne a month.

Can Children and Teenagers Really Get Skin Cancer?

Yes. While it is less common in younger age groups, skin cancer can still develop in children and adolescents. According to recent medical insights, melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15 to 24, and there are even documented cases in children under 15. In many of these cases, excessive sun exposure early in life is a major factor.

Source: Website Skin Cancer Australia

Melanoma Facts

·         Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. Melanoma is often referred to as ‘Australia’s national cancer’.

·         It is expected that 16,800 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma this year.

·         1 Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes.

·         It is estimated 1,300 Australians will die from melanoma this year.

·         One Australian dies from melanoma every 6 hours.

·         #3 in Australia: Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia.

·         #1 in age 20-39:Melanoma is the most common cancer for Australians aged 20 to 39.

·         #2 in men Melanoma is the second most common cancer in Australian men, after prostate cancer

·         #3 in women: Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australian women, after breast and colorectal cancer.

·         95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.

·         90% If caught early, 90% of melanomas can be cured by surgery.

Research is Making a Difference

The 5-year overall survival rate for advanced melanoma has increased from <10% to >55%.

In 2011, melanoma was Australia’s 7th most deadly cancer. In 2024, melanoma was Australia’s 11th most deadly cancer.

Source – aihw.gov.au