Skin cancer. Take care of the skin you’re in.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australians. In fact, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before they turn 70. 95% of these skin cancers are caused because of UV radiation – overexposure to the sun. This exposure to UV radiation results in damage to the DNA inside your skin cells, causing abnormal cell growth – resulting in a mass of cancer cells.
Looking for how to help someone with skin cancer? At HealthMatch, we’re bringing forward tomorrow’s treatments. We have trials actively recruiting for skin cancer patients, including ones aimed at targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
At HealthMatch, we want to help save your skin. Find a skin cancer clinical trial today.
Explore clinical trials for skin cancer
Get matched with new Skin cancer trials
We’ll keep searching until we find the right match for you. Create your profile and get alerts when new skin cancer trials become available.
80%
of newly diagnosed cancers in Australia are skin cancers¹
Over 2,000
Australians die from skin cancer each year ²
1 million
the number of patient consultations GPs have for skin cancer each year³
Why clinical trials?
Clinical trials are vital for researchers and physicians to advance modern medicine and improve the quality of life for future patients. All the drugs and medical equipment we use today are available because patients participated in clinical trials.
How do I apply for a trial?
Our platform helps you find the right match by showing you only trials you’re eligible for and simplifying the jargon. You’re then able to view matches and apply for trials in an easy-to-use dashboard. Once you’ve been accepted, we’ll put you in direct contract with the trial group.
If you don’t match with a clinical trial today, we won’t stop searching until we find the right match for you.
About HealthMatch
HealthMatch is an organisation driven by a mission to accelerate medical research allowing for faster and more efficient access to life-changing medication.
Our community consists of a diverse team of doctors, engineers, scientists, and people dedicated to challenging the status quo of medical research.
We are united by a passion to deliver better healthcare options, for all, regardless of location, background or means. This means access to trials and the revolutionary treatments that come from them.
FAQ
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) starts in the basal cells of the epidermis (skin). It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It makes up 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) starts in the squamous cells of the epidermis (skin). It tends to grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. It makes up about 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
BCC and SCC are also known as non-melanoma skin cancer.
Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocyte cells of the epidermis (skin). Although it only makes up 1-2% of all skin cancers, it’s considered the most serious.
When melanoma spreads, it extends downwards from the epidermis and can invade nearby lymph nodes or the bloodstream. This allows it to spread easily throughout the body.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
Symptoms of skin cancer include crusty, non-healing sores; small lumps that are red, pale, or pearly in color; new spots, freckles, or lumps; and moles changing in color, thickness, or shape over weeks or months.
How do you treat skin cancer?
Non-melanoma cancer is most commonly treated with surgery. Simple procedures are performed by a GP or dermatologist. More complex procedures may be done by a surgeon.
Other treatments for non-melanoma cancers include curettage and cautery; cryotherapy; topical treatment; photodynamic therapy, and in more severe cases, radiation therapy.
Treatment for the early stages of melanoma includes surgery. Lymph nodes may also be removed if the melanoma has spread to them.
Treatment for advanced melanoma includes surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may also be considered.
Is there a cure for skin cancer?
Prevention and early detection are key. Most skin cancers are successfully treated if detected in the early stages.
Skin cancers can be prevented by protecting the skin from UV rays. This includes “slip, slop, slap, seek, slide”: wearing sun-protective clothing, SPF30 sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and seeking shade.
The five-year survival rate for melanoma is 91%.
¹ Cancer Council, About Skin Cancer
² Sun Smart, Skin Cancer Facts & Stats
³ Cancer Council Wiki, Skin cancer incidence and mortality