Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented? Dr Shaun Segal Explains

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, with thousands of new cases diagnosed every year. While advances in treatment have improved survival rates, prevention remains the most effective way to reduce the burden of this disease. The question many people ask is: Can skin cancer really be prevented?

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, although it is not always possible to prevent every case of skin cancer, many cases can be significantly reduced through proper sun protection, regular skin monitoring, and early medical intervention. By understanding the major risk factors and adopting healthy habits, individuals can greatly lower their chances of developing skin cancer or detect it at an early, highly treatable stage.

With over 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery and 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery in Australia, Dr. Shaun Segal has treated thousands of patients across NSW, Queensland, and Perth. His commitment extends beyond surgical treatment—he is passionate about educating patients on prevention, early detection, and lifelong skin health.

Understanding Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops when skin cells become damaged, most commonly due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial tanning devices. Over time, repeated UV exposure can cause mutations in skin cells, leading to uncontrolled growth.

The three most common types of skin cancer are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and usually slow-growing form of skin cancer.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Can grow more aggressively and spread if left untreated.
• Melanoma: The most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

While genetics also play a role, the majority of skin cancers are linked to cumulative UV damage over a lifetime.

Can Skin Cancer Be Completely Prevented?

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, no one can completely eliminate their risk of skin cancer. Factors such as genetics, age, and family history cannot be changed. However, many lifestyle-related risk factors are within our control.

Preventive measures cannot guarantee that skin cancer will never occur, but they can substantially lower the likelihood of developing it. They also help ensure that any suspicious changes are detected early, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are significantly better.

Protect Yourself from UV Radiation

The single most important step in preventing skin cancer is reducing exposure to harmful UV rays.

Australia experiences some of the highest UV levels in the world, making sun protection essential throughout the year—not just during summer.

Dr. Shaun Segal recommends:

• Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
• Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Choosing long-sleeved clothing made from tightly woven fabrics.
• Seeking shade whenever possible, particularly during peak UV hours.

Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can penetrate the clouds and damage the skin, making daily protection important regardless of the weather.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Artificial tanning devices expose the skin to concentrated UV radiation, increasing the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Numerous studies have shown that frequent tanning bed use significantly raises the likelihood of developing skin cancer, especially when exposure begins at a young age.

Dr. Shaun Segal advises patients to avoid tanning beds completely, as there is no safe level of artificial UV exposure.

Perform Regular Self-Skin Examinations

One of the easiest ways to improve early detection is by becoming familiar with your own skin.

Monthly self-examinations can help identify new or changing spots before they become advanced.

Look for:

• New moles or growths
• Changes in existing moles
• Persistent sores that do not heal
• Bleeding or crusting lesions
• Spots that itch, become tender, or grow rapidly

Using the ABCDE Rule can help identify suspicious moles:

• A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
• B – Border: Irregular or poorly defined edges.
• C – Colour: Multiple shades or uneven colouring.
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm or increasing in size.
• E – Evolving: Any change in appearance, size, or symptoms.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, any evolving lesion should be assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Schedule Professional Skin Checks

Self-examinations are valuable, but they should not replace professional skin assessments.

Many early skin cancers are subtle and may not be recognised without specialist training. Routine skin checks allow suspicious lesions to be detected before they become more serious.

People who should consider regular skin examinations include:

• Individuals with fair skin
• Those with a history of frequent sunburns
• Outdoor workers
• People with many moles
• Individuals with a family history of skin cancer
• Anyone previously diagnosed with skin cancer

With thousands of patients treated across Australia, Dr. Shaun Segal has extensive experience identifying skin cancers at an early stage, often before patients notice any symptoms.

Early Detection Is Part of Prevention

Although early diagnosis is not technically prevention, it plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of skin cancer.

When detected early, many skin cancers can be removed with relatively minor surgical procedures, resulting in:

• Better cosmetic outcomes
• Smaller scars
• Faster healing
• Lower risk of recurrence
• Improved long-term prognosis

For melanoma, early detection can be lifesaving because treatment before the cancer spreads offers the highest chance of cure.

Expert Care for Complex Cases

Despite preventive efforts, some people will still develop skin cancer. Choosing an experienced specialist is essential, particularly when cancers occur in delicate or highly visible areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, or ears.

Dr. Shaun Segal is highly skilled in complex skin cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures involving large defects on the nose, eyelids, and other challenging parts of the face.

As an ACCO Fellow specialising in complex skin cancer cases and reconstructive surgery, he combines advanced surgical techniques with a strong focus on preserving both function and appearance.

A Career Dedicated to Skin Cancer Care

Patients trust Dr. Shaun Segal because of his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to patient care.

His professional background includes:

• Over 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery.
• Fifteen years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery in Australia.
• Two years on a surgical rotation at the world-renowned Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa.
• Thousands of patients successfully treated across NSW, Queensland, and Perth.
• Principal Skin Cancer Surgeon at Skin Cancer Only – Babysteps Health Centre, Subiaco.
• Current practice at Baby Steps Specialist Centre.

Known for his kindness and attention to detail, Dr. Shaun Segal focuses on achieving excellent medical results while minimising scarring and preserving normal function.

Building Lifelong Sun-Safe Habits

Preventing skin cancer is not a one-time effort—it requires consistent habits throughout life.

Simple everyday actions can make a meaningful difference:

• Check the daily UV index before spending time outdoors.
• Encourage children to develop sun-safe habits from an early age.
• Wear protective clothing during outdoor activities.
• Avoid prolonged exposure during peak sunlight hours.
• Never ignore changes in your skin.
• Keep regular appointments for professional skin examinations.

These habits become even more important for people living in Australia, where UV exposure remains high year-round.

Final Thoughts

While no strategy can completely eliminate the risk of skin cancer, many cases can be prevented—or detected early—through consistent sun protection, regular skin checks, and prompt medical attention.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, prevention begins with awareness. Understanding your personal risk, protecting your skin from UV damage, and seeking expert assessment for suspicious changes are the most effective ways to safeguard your health.

With more than two decades of experience, advanced expertise in reconstructive skin cancer surgery, and a compassionate approach to patient care, Dr. Shaun Segal continues to help people across Australia reduce the impact of skin cancer through education, prevention, early diagnosis, and world-class surgical treatment. His dedication to both effective cancer management and outstanding cosmetic outcomes makes him a trusted leader in skin cancer care.