Patient Information
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand, primarily caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Early detection through regular skin checks is crucial, as many skin cancers are highly treatable when identified promptly.
🟠 Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most prevalent type of skin cancer. It typically appears as a shiny, pearly bump or a red patch that may bleed or crust. While BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads, it can cause significant local damage if left untreated.
🔴 Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common skin cancer, often presenting as a scaly, red patch, an open sore, or a wart-like growth that may crust or bleed. It can grow rapidly and has a higher risk of spreading than BCC, particularly if not treated early.
⚫ Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It may develop in an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot on the skin. Key warning signs include asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, a diameter larger than 6mm, and any evolving changes. Early detection is vital, as melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Who is at risk?
Skin cancer doesn’t just affect those with obvious sun damage — in fact, many people are surprised to learn they’re at risk. Living in New Zealand or Australia, particularly sunny regions like the Bay of Plenty, means we’re all exposed to high levels of UV radiation. Even those considered "low risk" can still develop skin cancer, especially with enough time and exposure.
You may be at higher risk if you:
Have fair skin, light eyes, or burn easily in the sun
Have a history of sunburns, especially blistering burns in childhood
Spend a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation
Have a large number of moles (naevi) or unusual-looking moles
Have been previously treated for sunspots (actinic keratoses)
Have had any type of skin cancer in the past
Have a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
Are over 50 — though skin cancer can occur at any age
Are male — men statistically have a higher risk, especially later in life
Have required previous treatment for melanoma
Even if you don’t check all the boxes above, remember: low risk doesn’t mean no risk. Regular skin checks help catch problems early — when treatment is simplest and most effective.
How to reduce your risk
While we can’t undo past sun exposure, there’s a lot you can do now to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer — and catch it early if it does appear.
Here’s how:
Protect your skin from UV exposure
The sun’s UV rays are the biggest cause of skin cancer. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors, and cover up with a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing when possible.
Avoid getting sunburned
Each sunburn increases your risk — especially if you blister. Take extra care in the middle of the day, when UV levels are strongest (10 am – 4 pm in NZ summer).
Be aware of your skin
Get to know your skin so you’ll notice any new or changing spots. Early changes are often subtle — if in doubt, get it checked.
Get regular skin checks
Even if you’re low risk, routine skin checks help catch problems early. High-risk patients (e.g. those with a history of skin cancer, many moles, or frequent sun exposure) should have skin checks more often.
Treat sun-damaged areas early
Treating precancerous sunspots or areas of field damage (like with Efudix or other therapies) can prevent some skin cancers from developing in the first place.
Educate yourself and others
Know the signs of skin cancer and encourage family members to get checked too — especially if there’s a personal or family history of melanoma.
Protecting your skin is a daily habit — and one of the best ways to protect your future health.
How to check yourself
Regular self-exams are one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early. Most skin cancers are first noticed by patients themselves — not doctors. By checking your skin every 1–2 months, you’ll become familiar with what’s normal and more likely to notice anything new, unusual, or changing.
What to Look For:
A new spot that wasn’t there before
A mole or freckle that changes in size, colour, or shape
A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps bleeding
Any spot that looks different from the rest (the “ugly duckling”)
Use the SCAN Checklist
A simple way to remember what to look for is the word SCAN:
S – Sore: A spot that doesn’t heal
C – Changing: In size, shape, or colour
A – Abnormal: Looks different from other spots
N – New: A new mark or mole that appears
If a spot meets any of these, it’s worth having checked.
How to Check:
Stand in front of a full-length mirror with good lighting.
Use a hand mirror to check hard-to-see areas.
Examine your entire body — including your scalp, back, soles of your feet, and under nails.
Don’t forget behind the ears, underarms, and buttocks. Ask someone to help if needed.
Take photos of spots you’re unsure about to monitor over time.
Know the ABCDEs of Melanoma
A – Asymmetry
B – Border irregularity
C – Colour variation
D – Diameter greater than 6mm
E – Evolving over time
How to Self Examine your Skin