The earlier a skin cancer is detected the better the chance of successful treatment. Basal cell carcinomas, the least dangerous and most common of the skin cancers are successfully treated in almost all cases. Squamous cell carcinomas - which are not as dangerous as melanoma but can spread to other parts of the body if not treated - are also successfully treated in almost 100 per cent of cases. Melanoma can be fatal, although more than 90 per cent of people who have a melanoma treated will still be alive after 5 years.
Skin cancers usually do not cause discomfort and are best picked up by regularly looking at the skin rather than by feel. A regular skin self-examination aims to pick up any changes early.
Be on the lookout for:
any new spot or unusual freckle, mole or sunspot;
an unhealing sore;
a spot that looks different from other spots around it; or
a spot that has changed colour, size or shape over a few weeks or months.
Consult your doctor if you have any of these signs. Skin cancers that are detected at an early stage are the most easily treated.
The earlier a skin cancer is detected the better the chance of successful treatment. Basal cell carcinomas, the least dangerous and most common of the skin cancers are successfully treated in almost all cases. Squamous cell carcinomas - which are not as dangerous as melanoma but can spread to other parts of the body if not treated - are also successfully treated in almost 100 per cent of cases. Melanoma can be fatal, although more than 90 per cent of people who have a melanoma treated will still be alive after 5 years. 
