Check Your Skin, Change Your Life: The Power of Early Skin Cancer Detection You are here:HomeNewsroomNews 10th March, 2026 Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial for successful treatment. Types of Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, it often appears as a pearly or waxy bump. BCCs usually grow slowly and rarely spread but can cause significant damage if left untreated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Less common than BCCs, it may present as a firm, red nodule or scaly patch. SCCs can grow rapidly and potentially spread if not treated promptly Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma can develop anywhere on the body. It often starts as a mole that changes in size, shape, color, or texture Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Melanoma Management Treatment options vary depending on the type, size and location of the skin cancer. A biopsy can be taken to determine the type of skin cancer and help guide management. Non-surgical treatment is appropriate for some types of skin cancer and can include topical therapies. Surgical excision with reconstruction (flap or graft) is the main stay treatment for the majority of skin cancers. Importance of Early Detection Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes for all types of skin cancer. Regular self-exams and professional skin checks are essential, followed by appropriate management. When to Refer Large or complex lesions Cosmetically sensitive areas Diagnostic uncertainty For management in a Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) environment At patient request Dr Nicholas Haydon is a Specialist Reconstructive, Plastic and Hand Surgeon based in Sydney. He is a Visiting Medical Officer at St Vincent’s Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital, and regularly travels to Tamworth to support regional patients. His key areas of expertise include: Reconstructive surgery of the head, neck, upper limb and lower limb Hand and peripheral nerve surgery Skin cancer surgery General plastic surgery About the author: Dr Haydon completed his medical degree at the University of New South Wales, followed by a Master of Science (Surgery) at the University of Oxford. He undertook Fellowship training in Sydney and Canada. He is actively involved in research and teaching, mentoring junior surgeons and medical students, and contributing to GP education. Originally from a property near Murrurundi, Dr Haydon has a strong commitment to rural NSW and is passionate about improving access to specialist care for regional communities.