Practical, evidence-informed information about skin cancer, sun protection and recognising changes early — for employees and workplaces across Australia.
Organise workplace skin checksRecognising changes in your skin can help you know when to seek medical advice. Explore these common skin conditions and what they may look like.
REAL CLINICAL PHOTOMelanoma can develop as a new or changing spot. Look for changes in shape, colour, size or symptoms. Some melanomas are pink or skin-coloured rather than dark.
Photo: National Cancer Institute · Public domain ↗
REAL CLINICAL PHOTOBCC may appear as a shiny or pearly bump, a pink patch, or a sore that does not heal. Some lesions have fine visible blood vessels or bleed easily.
Clinical photograph: DermNet · used for design preview; commercial reuse requires permission.
REAL CLINICAL PHOTOSCC may present as a scaly or thickened area, a firm tender lump, or a sore that crusts or bleeds. Prompt assessment matters because some SCCs can spread.
Clinical photograph: DermNet · used for design preview; commercial reuse requires permission.
REAL CLINICAL PHOTOAKs are rough or scaly sun-damaged patches, often on the face, scalp, ears or hands. They are not skin cancer, but some can develop into SCC, so assessment is recommended.
Clinical photograph: DermNet · used for design preview; commercial reuse requires permission.Images are examples, not a diagnosis. Skin cancers and sun damage can look different across skin tones and individuals. A photograph cannot confirm or exclude skin cancer. If a spot is new, changing, bleeding, painful or not healing, arrange a GP or dermatologist assessment.
Not every spot is skin cancer. These are common examples of lesions that are usually harmless. However, appearances can overlap with skin cancer, and photos cannot reliably distinguish them.
Usually a small, smooth, bright-red or purple spot made up of blood vessels. Typically stable and painless. A new or bleeding red lesion still deserves assessment.
Often a waxy, rough or “stuck-on” tan-to-brown growth. It can resemble melanoma, especially if dark or irritated, so do not assume a new pigmented growth is harmless.
Usually a small, firm, pink-to-brown bump, often on the legs. It may dimple when squeezed from the sides. Rapid growth or unusual features need review.
Usually a soft, skin-coloured or brown growth on a narrow stalk, commonly on the neck, armpits or skin folds. If painful, changing or bleeding, have it checked.
How can you tell the difference? Look for a lesion that is new, evolving, unlike your other spots, bleeding without a clear cause, painful or not healing. A typical appearance is a clue, not proof. Dermoscopy and medical assessment may be needed; sometimes biopsy is required. These drawings are simplified illustrations, not diagnostic examples.
For more information: Cherry angioma · Seborrhoeic keratosis · Dermatofibroma · Skin tags (DermNet).
Learn more: Cancer Council Australia — Skin cancer.
Knowing what is normal for your skin makes it easier to notice changes. The ABCDE guide can help identify some warning signs of melanoma:
One half looks different from the other.
An irregular or poorly defined edge.
Multiple or changing colours.
A larger spot can be concerning, but melanomas can also be small.
A spot that is new or changing in size, shape, colour, sensation or appearance.
Illustrations are examples only. Melanoma can look different from these images.
Important: Not all skin cancers fit the ABCDE guide. A new, changing, bleeding, crusting, painful or non-healing spot should be assessed by a GP or appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
In Australia, use sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above. Combine measures rather than relying on sunscreen alone.
Slip: wear sun-protective clothing.
Slop: apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen generously; reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towelling.
Slap: wear a broad-brimmed hat.
Seek: use shade whenever possible.
Slide: wear wraparound sunglasses that meet Australian standards.
For outdoor workers, consider shaded breaks, scheduling and access to sun protection supplies. Cancer Council Australia — Sun safety.
Check your skin regularly in good light, including areas that are hard to see such as your scalp, back, soles and between your toes. Ask someone you trust to help check difficult-to-see areas, or use a mirror.
There is no single skin-check schedule suitable for everyone. Ask your GP about your individual risk and whether you need regular professional skin examinations.
Spotcheck Australia helps employers organise convenient onsite skin screening with appropriately trained registered nurses. Employees receive a private assessment within the agreed screening scope, with guidance about findings and next steps.
Cancer Council Australia — Skin cancer
Cancer Council Australia — Sun safety
This page provides general health education, not personalised medical advice. If you notice a concerning lesion, consult your GP rather than waiting for a workplace screening appointment.