Thousands more Victorians are having skin cancer removed, cauterized or cryoablated than just a few years ago, raising concerns that sun-sensitivity complacency is on the rise.
Medicare data analyzed by Cancer Council Victoria shows more than 170,000 non-melanoma skin cancer treatments were performed in the state last year, up from an estimated 151,355 in 2022.
This figure represents a 12.3% increase in the number of surgeries in just two years. Victoria’s population grew by about 5% over the same period.
Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer, but non-melanoma skin cancers are much more common. But without a central registry, Medicare data is the only way to understand emerging trends.
The two main types of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma, which accounts for around 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia, begins in the lower layers of the epidermis and can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found in areas such as the shoulders and back.
Squamous cell carcinomas are less common, but are rooted in the upper layers of the epidermis and are often found on the forearms and lower legs.
The analysis comes weeks after the latest Victorian Cancer Registry report found regional Victorians were 51 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than those living in Greater Melbourne or Geelong.
The data also showed that the same group was 35 percent more likely to die from melanoma than those living in major cities.
Louise Bibby grew up in rural Victoria and now works in Swan Hill. Despite wearing sunscreen and rash vests as a child, she had basal cell carcinoma removed by her GP when she was just 22 years old.
“When I was working at my first job, I noticed a small lump in my hairline,” Bibby said. “I thought it was a pimple or something, but it didn’t go away. One day at work, I scratched my forehead and noticed that my face was bleeding.”
The cancer then began to reform along the scar line, so her GP referred her to a dermatologist. The doctor had to perform a more complex “flap surgery.” This is a surgery in which cancerous tissue is removed and then the skin is moved to an adjacent area to cover the larger wound. This technique provides better healing and cosmetic benefits than skin grafted from another part of the body.
“From then on, I started receiving a check every year,” Bibby said. Since then, she has had several more surgeries on her face, scalp, and chest.
“Most of my basal cell carcinoma is on my head because my hair is very white. I’ve had 10 surgeries just on my scalp and hairline.”
Although recovery can take a week or more for some treatments, Bibby says early detection is worth it to avoid needing more complicated procedures in the future.
“Two-thirds of people will be diagnosed with the following disease.” [skin cancer] My grandparents were also in that category. After all, I am well aware that melanoma runs in my family. Now that I’m 40 years old, I want to educate as many family members and friends as possible. ”
Melanoma is the most deadly of skin cancers because it metastasizes easily. But Cancer Council Victoria’s SunSmart director Emma Glassenberry said skin cancers other than melanoma should also be taken seriously.
“Skin cancers other than melanoma can still kill you,” she says. “It can usually be managed by excision. However, it is a preventable skin cancer and you should take all precautions you can.”
Men tend to have more skin cancers on the head and neck than women, while women tend to have more melanomas on the upper and lower extremities, which may be partially explained by differences in clothing and hairstyle.
Glassenberry said the main risk factors are fair skin, a history of severe sunburn, especially during the first 20 years of life, a family history of skin cancer, and having many moles.
“The most important thing is for people to know their own skin and what looks good on them,” she said. “If you notice any changes or concerns, talk to your doctor and get your skin checked. If you’re at high risk for skin cancer, you should set up a skin plan with your doctor.”
She added that 95 percent of melanomas and 99 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are largely preventable with proper sunscreen use.
“It takes less than 15 minutes for damage to occur, especially during these months of extreme UV radiation levels.”
Although summer temperatures in Victoria are generally lower than in northern states, Mr Glassenberry said it was still important for all Victorians to wear layers of sunscreen. That means wearing a hat, long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and seeking shade.
“Even on a cool, windy day, people can sustain that kind of damage.”
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brode carmody I am a health reporter for Age. Previously, he was state political reporter for The Age and national news blogger for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.connect via Twitter or email.