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Australia has the unfortunate title of the ‘skin cancer capital of the world’. The rate of skin cancer in Australia is two to three times as common than in Canada, the US or the UK. We see nearly half a million cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer every year. In fact, by the time we are 70, two out of three of us will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. The reason? Our glorious yet powerful sun. Sun exposure is the single most common cause.

These statistics may seem scary, but there is a lot we can do to both prevent and treat skin cancer with early detection. You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by wearing sun protection, and avoiding exposure to UV radiation.

Besides, education is the key – when you know your body, check your body and most importantly ensure you have regular skin cancer checks, you’ll be in the best position to tackle the cancer successfully.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A SKIN CHECK?

A skin check is the process of screening your skin before you are aware of any symptoms of skin cancer. It involves a visual inspection that helps identify possible skin cancers and lesions. Melanoma Scan skin clinic provides skin cancer screening, diagnosis, management and referral.

A visual inspection of the entire skin surface (usually excluding the areas under underwear) is conducted.  A special imaging device called a dermatoscope is usually used because it markedly improves detection of skin cancer, cancerous moles and melanoma in those with the appropriate training and experience.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A SKIN CHECK?

Skin checks are often done at annual intervals but I will advise you on what is an appropriate interval for your individual circumstances. If you have a history of skin cancers or your skin type is susceptible to skin cancers I may recommend that you have a skin check more regularly to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Living in sunny Queensland puts you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Queensland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, making annual skin and mole checks essential.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS SOMETHING ABNORMAL?

If an abnormality is found on your skin i will do a biopsy. The biopsy will help guide management of the lesion in the case of a skin cancer, and often an excisional biopsy may be all that is needed to completely remove the cancer. 

PREPARING FOR YOUR SKIN CHECK?

A skin check includes a full, detailed examination of your whole body. As such make sure you are wearing clothing that is easily removed and you remove any makeup before coming to the skin check appointment.

You should consider the following and be ready to discuss the following.

• Are there any moles or rough patches of skin you are particularly concerned about?
• Do you have any new moles, spots or bumps that you have not noticed previously?
• Is there a particular area of skin that is consistently itchy, red, or dry with flaky skin?
• Medical history including medications you are taking.
• Any family history of skin cancers or melanoma

DO YOU NEED TO UNDRESS FOR A SKIN CHECK?

It is normal to undress down to underwear for a skin check. A modesty sheet to cover areas not being examined is available so you are not completely exposed for the whole examination. A chaperone is usually available if you prefer.

WHY YOU NEED A SKIN CHECK?

Early skin cancer detection can save your life. Having a regular skin cancer check allows for the diagnosis and resulting removal and treatment of a precancerous skin lesions and spots. Early diagnosis of skin cancers can often result in simple, in-house procedures to remove the spot with the resulting biopsy indicating if further treatment is required.