1. Over 11,000 Australians are treated for melanoma every year
NEXT 3 SLIDES ON SKIN CANCER ARE OPTIONAL IF TIME PERMITS. IF TIME DOESN’T PERMIT, PLEASE PROGRESS TO HELPLINE SLIDE (NUMBER18) AND SPEAKER CAN SUGGEST COMING BACK TO DELIVER FULL SAVE YOUR OWN SKIN PRESENTATION AT A LATER DATE.
Speaker presentation
Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Each year over 11,000 people are diagnosed with it and almost 1500 people die because of it people in NSW are affected and about 490 people in NSW die each year.
Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous type of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body.
The risk of developing any type of skin cancer increases with age but melanoma is the most common cancer in people aged 15 – 40 years.
Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to too much ultraviolet or ‘UV’ radiation from the sun or other sources such as solariums or sun lamps.
Your risk of developing skin cancer is related to the amount of UV radiation you are exposed to over your lifetime, particularly in childhood.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but some people are at higher risk. You may be at risk if you:
Have a lot of moles and or freckles
(b) Have a close relative who has had melanoma or a personal history of any skin cancer type
(c) Have skin that is fair, burns easily, freckles and doesn't easily tan
(d) Have red or fair hair and blue or green eyes
(e) Are working outdoors or have been an outdoor worker for a long time
(f) Are aged over particularly if you have had a lot of sun exposure or been sunburnt in the past. Excessive sun exposure before the age of 15 greatly increases chances of getting melanoma in later life.
(g) UV Exposure – people who occasionally get heavy sun exposure ( e.g. on weekends or on holidays) maybe at particular risk, especially if they get sunburnt. People who are frequently exposed to UV rays through regular sun exposure or solarium use are also at risk.

2. Get to know your own skin
Look for new spots or changes to existing spots:
Colour
Size
Shape
Itching
Bleeding
Not healing
Speaker presentation
The first sign of a melanoma is usually a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new spot.
Knowing what your skin usually looks like – freckles, birthmarks, moles, blemishes – is the first step in knowing when something is different since you last looked.
Look for any new spots or changes in colour, size or shape to existing spots.
Size: The spot/mole may begin to get, or keep getting larger
Colour: The spot/mole may appear blotchy with a wide variety of colours such as brown, black, blue, red, white and or/ grey
Shape /border: The spot/mole may develop an irregular edge (scalloped or notched), lack of symmetry is a warning sign.
Also check for a spot that looks different to others around it or for a sore that doesn’t heal within a normal time frame. Itching or bleeding without any explanation are also some things to look out for.
Check your skin regularly for changes and ask a family member to check your back.
If you see any spots that have changed or not healed, or that continue to itch or bleed, see your Doctor or skin cancer clinic as soon as possible.

3. Be SunSmart Speaker presentation
Cancer Council NSW has added “seek” and “slide” to the slip slop slap campaign, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. We all know what to do but we often forget to do it!
Most skin cancers can be prevented by reducing our exposure to UV radiation
If detected and treated early, most skin cancers can be cured

4. More information www.cancercouncil.com.au Speaker presentation
The Cancer Council Helpline ( ) is there to provide professional cancer information and support to the whole community.
Call for Translating & Interpreting Service (TIS)
You can also visit our website for more information about cancer prevention, research, support and advocacy work by Cancer Council NSW
Optional additional information:
for the hearing impaired or those with speaking difficulties