Skin cancers can be treated, but you need to get them early.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70 and the incidence of skin cancer is on the rise.
Australians love spending time outdoors and research shows Australians are more likely to develop skin cancer than any other form of cancer.
Whilst melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, it is the deadliest as if left untreated can spread to other parts of the body.
The good news is that skin cancer is preventable and over 95 percent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early.
It’s a good idea to talk to an expert about your level of risk and advice on early detection.
Skin Cancer and Mole Checks
If you’re over 40 and lived in the pre ‘slip, slop, slap’ era, it’s likely you spent a lot of time in the sun with little or no sun protection. The effects of sun damage can take decades to appear on the skin.
According to the Department of Health, melanoma is the most common cancer for the 15 – 24 year old age group.
It is therefore important to be having regular skin checks at any age.
Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt. They can occur on parts of the body not usually exposed to the sun such as between toes, under toenails and on the soles of the feet. Also, contrary to popular belief, not all skin cancers start out as moles.
What do I need to do?
It’s simple.
If you have a suspicious spot. Please, get it checked immediately. It could save your life.
Have a full body skin check every year so anything nasty can be detected early. A skin check is easy and simple and takes 20 minutes. It’s just one of those things you need to do.
No referral is necessary for a skin cancer check with an experienced GP at Australian Skin Face Body.
You will however need a referral to see Mr Ian Holten (MED0001130662) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – plastic surgery)
