New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. With our high UV levels and active outdoor lifestyle, roughly 50% of Kiwis will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Early detection is the key to successful treatment, so knowing what to look for is essential.
The Three Main Types
In NZ, skin cancers are generally categorized into three main types:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common but least dangerous type. It tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads.
- Look for: A pearly or waxy bump, a pinkish patch of skin, or a sore that bleeds, crusts over, and then repeats the cycle without fully healing.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type. It is more aggressive than BCC and can spread if left untreated.
- Look for: A firm, scaly red nodule or a rough, crusty patch that may feel tender to the touch. It often appears on high-sun areas like the ears, face, and bald scalps.
- Melanoma: The most serious and potentially life-threatening form. While it makes up a small percentage of cases, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths in NZ.
- Look for: A new spot or an existing mole that changes. Use the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour (multiple shades), Diameter (larger than 6mm), and Evolving (any change in size or shape).
The “Ugly Duckling” Rule
Beyond specific symptoms, Kiwis are encouraged to look for the “Ugly Duckling.” Most of your moles will look similar to one another; if one spot looks, feels, or grows differently than the others, it needs a medical check.