Melanoma 101: what to know and how to protect yourself

ARTICLE

01 August 2026

3 min read

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia. The good news is that many cases are preventable, and when melanoma is detected early, treatment is often very successful.

If you’ve ever wondered what melanoma looks like, or when you should be worried about a mole, this guide will walk you through the key signs, causes, and simple ways to protect yourself.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes - the cells that produce melanin, which gives our skin its colour and helps protect it from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

It usually begins as a new or changing spot, mole, or freckle on the skin. While not all changes are cancerous, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, which is why early detection matters.

What causes melanoma?

Most melanoma cases are linked to UV radiation exposure, either from the sun or artificial sources like solariums.

Over time, UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells. This damage builds up and can lead to melanoma developing.

Key things to know:

UV can damage your skin even on cloudy days
Sunburn and tanning are signs of skin damage
Risk increases with repeated exposure over time
Solariums can emit stronger UV than the sun and are banned in Australia.

What does melanoma look like in its early stages?

Early stages of melanoma often appear as:

A new spot that looks unusual
An existing mole that changes over time

It may show up anywhere on the body – including areas that don’t get much sun.

A simple way to know what to look for is the ABCDE guide:

A - Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B - Border: Edges are uneven, jagged, or blurred
C - Colour: Multiple colours or uneven shades
D - Diameter: Larger than most moles or growing over time
E - Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms like itching or bleeding

If a spot looks different from others on your skin, it’s worth getting checked.

When should you be worried about a mole?

It’s normal to have moles, but you should consider seeing a GP or dermatologist if you notice:

A mole that’s changing in size, shape, or colour
A new spot that looks different from your other moles
Itching, bleeding, crusting, or tenderness
A spot that won’t heal

Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t look or feel right, it’s always worth getting it checked.

Why early detection is so important

Melanoma is often treatable when found early, before it spreads deeper into the skin or to other parts of the body.

That’s why regular skin self-checks at home and professional skin checks are important. They help you spot changes sooner and take action early.

Have you completed your AIA Vitality skin check?

The AIA Vitality skin check exam is a short, guided video. By completing your skin self-check at home, you can earn 500 points that go towards your AIA Vitality Status. You can also earn an additional 500 points when you complete a skin cancer screening with a qualified dermatologist.

Being proactive with your skin checks can help you detect melanoma early and deal with it before it becomes dangerous.

How to check your skin for melanoma at home

You don’t need special equipment to do a basic skin check. A few minutes every few months can help you stay aware of changes.

Check your whole body, including your back, scalp, and soles of your feet
Use a mirror or ask someone to help with hard-to-see areas
Look for new spots or changes to existing moles
Keep track of anything that looks different over time

If you’re unsure, take a photo and monitor changes – or book a professional check.

How is melanoma diagnosed?

If you’re concerned about a spot or mole, you can make a skin check appointment with your GP or dermatologist.

This may include:

A visual skin check or dermatoscope assessment
Taking photos to track changes over time
A biopsy, where a small sample is removed and tested

You may be referred to a dermatologist if further assessment is needed.

The Cancer Council publishes care guides for melanoma that explain all the diagnosis steps in detail, along with facts about treatment, timeframes, and recovery.

Who is most at risk of melanoma in Australia?

Anyone can develop melanoma, but your risk may be higher if you:

Have fair or freckled skin that burns easily
Have red or fair hair, and blue or green eyes
Have many or irregular moles
Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
Spend a lot of time in the sun or have had frequent sunburn
Work outdoors with high UV exposure

Even if you don’t identify with these, UV exposure still affects all skin types.

How to protect your skin from melanoma

Protecting your skin doesn’t mean avoiding the outdoors – it’s about managing UV exposure.

Simply follow the Cancer Council’s five steps of sun protection:

 Slip on protective clothing
Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
Seek shade, especially during peak UV hours
Slide on close-fitting sunglasses.

These habits can make a meaningful difference over time.

Protect your health with regular skin checks

Making skin checks a part of your routine helps you stay aware of your body and spot changes early.

If you notice anything new, changing, or unusual, booking a skin check is a simple step that can help you stay on top of your health.

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2026 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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