Bruce Paige, a senior reporter for 9News Queensland, has recently shared his experience with skin cancer, emphasising the importance of recognising early warning signs. After previously undergoing treatment for minor skin cancers, Paige found a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on his face, highlighting the long-term effects of sun exposure. Reflecting on his past, he admitted, “Before the days of sun smart campaigns, I spent a lot of time outdoors with no hat or sunscreen in sight. Like many Australians, I’m now paying the price.”
BCCs are predominantly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the scalp and central face. Dr Kate DeAmbrosis, a specialist dermatologist in Brisbane, noted that BCCs tend to appear more frequently in individuals with fair skin, particularly those who experienced multiple sunburns as children.
Despite the generally high cure rate for BCC, Dr David Schlect, a Queensland radiation oncologist, explained that some BCCs can exhibit more aggressive characteristics, potentially growing extensively or into nerves. For Paige, his BCC required careful treatment since it was situated near his eye; he recently completed radiation therapy following surgical removal.
Many individuals overlook signs of BCC, often mistaking them for minor skin irritations. Paige expressed, “Like many people, I didn’t pick up that I had a BCC; I thought it was just a little sore that would go away.” Dr DeAmbrosis added that early indications of BCC can resemble pimples or persistent patches of eczema, often appearing as pearly lumps that grow gradually.
Paige urged Australians to maintain regular skin checks, reiterating a crucial message: “If there’s anything unusual on your skin that isn’t healing, get it seen to.” His journey serves as a reminder to prioritise skin health and stay vigilant about potential warning signs.