Skin cancer's secrets unveiled

Research conducted at Melbourne on skin cancer could save thousands of lives.

Doctors found that nodular melanomas accounted for less than 15 per cent of melanoma cancers but caused up to 70 per cent of the deadliest type, called deep melanomas. The research shows the pimple-like melanoma is the most dangerous. However these are often missed at the start. A severe sunburn can cause a nodular melanoma. It appears anywhere on the body, often the head or neck and grows much faster than other melanomas. About 50% of people who suffer from nodular melanomas when left undetected until it becomes deeper and thicker will die. However doctors said, when people are there to follow their advice, many lives could be saved. Nodular melanomas are raised from the start.