Skin Deep: understanding melanoma
The Centenary Institute recently hosted a free interactive online event to hear from Dr Jessamy Tiffen and Dr Philip Tong as they shared their expert knowledge on melanoma.
Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world1.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the skin cells called melanocytes and usually occurs on the parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun. Rare melanomas can occur inside the eye (ocular melanoma) or in parts of the skin or body that have never been exposed to the sun such as the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet or under the nails.
One Australian is diagnosed every 30 minutes2 and every 6 hours, 1 Australian will die from Melanoma3!
Watch the video recording from the session
Post-webinar survey
We would value your feedback and experience from ‘Skin Deep: understanding melanoma’. We have a quick 1 minute survey and your participation will help guide our future events and engagement with the community.
Expert Presenters
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Dr Jessamy Tiffen
Dr Jessamy Tiffen is the Head of the Centre for Cancer Innovations and leads the Epigenetics of Melanoma Laboratory at the Centenary Institute. She is an expert in the study of epigenetic regulation in cancer. Dr Tiffen completed her PhD at the University of Sydney in Cancer genetics. From there she underwent postdoctoral training at the Welcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, UK before returning to Australia where she pursued her interest in melanoma with Professor Peter Hersey. She is a member of the American Association of Cancer Research and the Society for Melanoma Research and holds a dual affiliation as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow within the University of Sydney.
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Dr Philip Tong
Dr Philip Tong is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists after completing his dermatology specialist training in NSW as the inaugural Dean’s Fellow in Dermatology, a joint initiative with The University of Sydney. He underwent world class-research and dermatology training in Sydney and completed his PhD in advanced biomedical imaging and skin immunology at Centenary Institute during this time. Prior to obtaining his specialist qualifications, he also received training in dermatology departments in Perth, Melbourne as well as in London. He is a Visiting Medical Office at St Vincent’s Hospital and completed his training and PhD in Sydney. He has leadership roles as the Deputy Director of Research, at The Skin Hospital, Sydney as well as co-chair for All About Acne. His early research focus was in melanoma, however he now focuses his energy in utilising technology in the early detection of skin cancer. He does this via supporting telehealth opportunities particularly in rural and remote Australia through a virtual care platform called DermScreen.
Q & A from the session
Jess and Philip share their answers to some of the questions raised in the Q&A during the event. We hope these provide additional insight around the subject of melanoma.
We certainly know ageing is a risk factor for melanoma and skin cancer. What can be problematic is childhood and adolescent exposure to UV radiation particularly if you have been sun burnt several times to the point where your skin is peeling.
The best practice is to cover up with clothing as well as applying a sunscreen. The most important practice is to ensure ample sunscreen is applied.
Most people actually under apply the amount of sunscreen that you need. Applying the right amount of a higher rated SPF you are more likely to get the protection or the intended protection that SPF is delivering on the skin.
The rule is that if you are not sure please visit your doctor. Even if you think you are sure it is worthwhile going to see your doctor.
If you have had one melanoma, presumably you may be at risk of developing melanoma somewhere else, completely unrelated to that first one. People that have had a melanoma removed from one spot should not only monitor that spot but should also be observing all your body. The risk of melanoma coming back is related to a lot of factors including being predisposed to getting them, the original melanoma, what your skin type is and how much sun exposure.
No unless it’s been confirmed by a dermatologist or suitably qualified medical practitioner that they should be. If you are considering removing for cosmetic reasons, ensure that you consult a suitably qualified professional, such as a dermatologist who makes sure that it is indeed not cancerous or benign, and can offer suggestions to remove it the best possible way.
Tattooing makes it harder to see and check the skin but the actual tattooing of the skin doesn’t increase the risk of skin cancer.
In Australia, we need to balance the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels. Sensible sun protection is not proven to put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
In situ is the earliest form of melanoma that can be diagnosed. That stage means it is stage 0. This is when the malignant cells of melanoma are confined within the top layers of the epidermis. As a melanoma invades what we call the dermoepidermal junction that is when it has the potential to actually spread to other areas.
Melanoma at stage 1 is invasive. It has grown below the thin outer layer of the skin to the next layer of skin.
This is a question between you and your GP. Remember you can book in with your family doctor or GP without a referral for a whole body check.
Imaging technology has been incorporated into clinical workflows for some time for high risk patients – those prone to melanomas or prone to any type of skin cancers. A digital whole body scan of the patient is done and is compared against their previous visit.
*Please note that any advice provided by Dr Tiffen and Dr Tong in answering questions is not to be taken as individual medical advice. Please consult your medical practitioner or specialist to ensure your individual circumstances are taken into consideration.
Helpful resources
The ABCDE of melanoma detection can be a useful guide when checking your skin.
Check your skin regularly and if you notice any changes, consult your doctor or specialist immediately.
A is for Asymmetry. One half doesn’t match the other half.
B is for Border. The edges are irregular or jagged.
C is for Colour. Contains a variety of colours like brown, red, pink or black.
D is for Diameter. The area is larger than 6mm or is growing larger.
E is for Evolving. Changes in size, colour, shape or elevation.
*This is intended as a guide only.
DermScreen was founded in 2022 by Dermatologist Dr Philip Tong who recognised that survival from Australia’s national cancer, melanoma, can be improved through awareness and early detection. With only 550 dermatologists nationally, more must be done to ensure specialist level care is accessible all throughout Australia.
DermScreen recognises that this gap can be bridged through technology-enabled solutions with a virtual care platform, with patients wishing to have a spot or skin check can be properly triaged to avoid unnecessary surgical biopsies and specialist referrals. Through the collaboration of GPs and Dermatologists, DermScreen makes early detection affordable, accessible and convenient. To learn more about our technology, how we detect skin cancer or book an appointment click below.
Centenary’s research into melanoma
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Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in the skin’s pigment cells or melanocytes.
Melanocytes are cells that produce pigment to help protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation or sunlight. These cells can collect together in the skin to form a mole. Melanomas are formed when the melanocytes in a mole begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled and unregulated way. The cells expand outwards or down into the lower layers of the skin where it grows very quickly if left untreated.
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Advancing melanoma treatment against resistance
Research conducted by the Centenary Institute has revealed a promising new approach to tackling melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer notorious for its resistance to conventional treatments.
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New technology, ‘Invasion-Block’, targets melanoma spread
Research conducted at the Centenary Institute has given rise to a ground-breaking tool called ‘Invasion-Block’ that can identify drugs capable of halting the spread of cancer cells. The pioneering development could lead to better treatments for melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Post-webinar survey
We would value your feedback and experience from ‘Skin Deep: understanding melanoma’. We have a quick 1 minute survey and your participation will help guide our future events and engagement with the community.
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