Skin Cancer Checks

Unfortunately they are very common and 66% Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before they turn 70. This is almost three times the rate seen in the US or the UK.

Annually, over 750,000 people are treated for non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia. These non-melanoma skin cancers are twice as common in men.

Melanoma skin cancer affects over 12,000 Australians annually, it is the most common cancer among Australian between 15-44 years.

What is a Skin Cancer Check

There is currently no formal screening program for skin cancers in Australia. It is recommended that people become familiar with their skin. If you notice any changes consult your doctor.

It is generally recommended that you have a skin cancer screening test once every two years. This should be more regularly performed if you are at risk. Higher risk patients are those mentioned below.

Get Familiar With Your Skin & Body

We encourage patients to be familiar with their skin and to be aware of any changes that might suggest skin cancer.

Look for anything changing uniquely on your skin anywhere for more than 2-3 weeks. Evidence could include:

• Crusty sores,
• Skin lesions that don't heal,
• New spots,
• Freckles, or moles,
• Skin areas or lesions that change in colour or thickness.

If you notice any of these changes, arrange an appointment with our Doctors for a skin check immediately.

While you may be able to find a few precancerous or cancerous moles yourself, it is always better to put your trust in a doctor using effective and accurate tools in detecting skin cancer.

Everyone Benefits From Regular Skin Checks

The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer in Australia. Having regular skin checks will help you be aware of any skin changes.

This should include checking areas that are normally hidden from the sun because skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body.

Higher Risk Skin Cancer Patients

The following should consult their doctor about more regular testing and shin checks.

Prior to Diagnosis

People who have had skin cancer previously are at risk for developing others over the years, either in the same area or elsewhere on the body.

For these patients, regular screening and full body mapping should be routine so that not only the site(s) previously treated are monitored, but the entire skin surface can be examined and compared for changes.

Skin cancers on the scalp and nose are especially troublesome, with recurrences typically taking place within the first two years following surgery.

Exposure to Sunshine

Both long-term sun exposure over your lifetime and occasional extended, intense exposure (typically leading to sunburn) combine to cause damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Almost all skin cancers occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun — especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back.

Age

The risk of skin cancer increases with age both as a result of cumulative sun exposure and the degenerative nature of aging.

The incidence increases for both males and females over 50 years old, but as the number of new cases has increased sharply each year in the last few decades, the average age of patients at onset has steadily decreased.

Genetic Factors

The tendency to develop can also be inherited, people who are at the highest risk have the following genetic features:

• fair skin
• blond or red hair
• blue, green, or grey eyes
• family history of skin cancer

Suspicious Moles Diagnosed

Accuracy is important when dealing with melanoma, as you don’t get a second chance. Our doctors are experienced at skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, including the following forms:

• Actinic Keratosis
• Atypical Moles
• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma,
• Melanoma

Skin Cancer Education

Knowledge is power, which is why we want you to know what lesions to look out for and how to protect yourself and your family. Many patients have identified skin cancer on their friends and family members after their Mole Mapping appointment with us.

Head to Toe Skin Check

Our staff, advanced technology and experienced doctors will conduct a thorough examination of your skin, assessing moles using a dermatoscope – a device used to view the intricate structure of a mole.

Moles that meet our criteria will be imaged using a specialised digital dermoscopic camera to create a view of the internal structure (dermoscopic image) and the external structure (clinical image) for subsequent medical diagnosis and comparison.

Full Skin Cancer Checking Service.

As part of this service, one of our trained staff perform a systematic total body check and generates digital dermoscopic and total body images:

• A doctor will then examine each patient to check each mole and lesion on their skin. They will discuss a treatment program if required, and advise on the best long term management and prevention.
• Some treatment may be performed during this skin check appointment if necessary and the patient requests it.

Each total body skin check takes up to half an hour and is advised for everyone over the age of 18 on an annual basis.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Protect Your Skin

For best protection, we recommend a combination of sun protection measures:

• Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible
• Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
• Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
• Seek shade
• Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian standards.

Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.



Sun Protection And Babies

Evidence suggests that childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to your lifetime risk of skin cancer. Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies out of the sun as much as possible for the first 12 months.

Where this is not possible, parents and carers should minimise exposure by:

• Planning the day’s activities outside the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.
• Covering as much skin as possible with loose fitting clothes and wraps made from closely woven fabrics.
• Choosing a hat that protects the baby’s face, neck and ears.
• Making use of available shade or creating shade for the pram, stroller or play area. The material should cast a dark shadow. The baby will still need to be protected from scattered and reflected UV radiation.
• Keeping an eye on the baby’s clothing, hat and shade to ensure they continue to be well-protected.
• Applying a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen to small areas of the skin that cannot be protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, neck and hands, remembering to reapply the sunscreen every two hours or more often it is wiped or washed off.

There is no evidence that using sunscreen on babies is harmful, although some babies may develop minor skin irritation.

Try sunscreen milks or creams for sensitive skin which are less likely to irritate the skin. As with all products, use of any sunscreen should cease if any unusual reaction occurs.