Australia sees a lot of skin cancer each year, as two-thirds of the population there will be diagnosed with it at some point. Despite this, many people still underestimate the importance of regular skin checks in preventing serious health issues.
In today’s blog, we’ll be looking at the significance of skin checks, the importance of going for them, what you can expect in a full body skin check and what recent data tells us about early diagnosis and survival in skin cancer cases. Regardless of your risk group, understanding the importance of regular skin checks in Australia is essential for long-term health.
Why Skin Checks Play a Crucial Role
Quick diagnosis of skin cancer, including melanoma, BCC and SCC, makes it mostly possible to cure the disease. Unfortunately, a lack of attention can let it get worse fast and it may become dangerous, especially in melanoma cases.
Here’s why regular skin checks in Australia can be life-saving:
Catching the problem early gives cancer patients better chances of survival.
Melanoma is likely to be cured if discovered early, as the 5-year survival rate is over 99%, but less than half of those who develop distant organ spread are likely to survive.
Sometimes, skin cancer does not look dangerous at first.
Sometimes, skin cancers appear as unnoticeable moles or dark spots. Only those with proper training know how to use dermoscopy tools to notice any skin concerns in a body skin check.
Factors that can raise your risk are getting older, being exposed to the sun and having a family history of skin cancer.
Your risk of having melanoma goes up if you have fair skin, have experienced sunburn in the past or a relative has this condition.
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Who Should Get Regular Skin Checks in Australia?
All Australians should watch out for their skin health, yet a few groups such as those mentioned, should pay special attention.
- Fair skin, freckles and light-colored eyes are characteristics found mainly in people with red hair.
- People who have frequent sunburns in early life
- People who have more moles than usual or have large and unusual moles
- People who have relatives with melanoma
- Those who are exposed to sun for long periods
- People between the ages of 40 and above
How Often Should You Get a Full Body Skin Check?
Everyone’s situation is different. These are the basic steps:
- Each 12 months: This is true if you have no skin cancer or other health problems.
- Every six months: If a doctor has identified skin cancer in you or you have a lot of moles or freckles.
- If you realize there are any new or changing spots on your skin, you need to act immediately.
It is worth noting that a lot of clinics in Australia provide bulk-billed or low-cost skin checks for the whole body. Rather than relying on a reminder, plan an alert in your calendar every year.
What Happens During a Professional Full Body Skin Check?
Some people shy away from checking their skin since they find it difficult, but it does not hurt at all.
During a full-body skin examination, here are the steps you’ll usually experience:
A review of the patient’s medical history
They be ask if you have a family history of skin cancer, ask about your time in the sun and check if you have noticed any differences in your moles.
A full Check-up of the Skin
They will ask you to undress,keeping your underwear on and use a dermatoscope that helps see and identify cells that shouldn’t be there.
Spot Mapping can be considered a type of Photography
A picture may be taken of the mole if it helps in the future assessment of changes. It allows us to keep an eye on any changes through the years.
If needed, doctors may either perform a biopsy or refer you to the appropriate specialist.
If something not normal is noticed, either a small sample (biopsy) will be taken or you’ll be sent to a specialist for more tests.
The entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
What to Look Out For: The ABCDE of Melanoma
Try to check your breasts yourself once each month before your professional check-ups. Look for:
- A condition occurs when the left side looks different from the right.
- B – Border: There are lines at the edges that are not well-defined.
- C – Colour: Red, white, black and brown are all found on this surface.
- D – Diameter: Diameter is more than 6mm.
- E – Evolving: Going through changes in your body such as growth, weight shift or a difference in sensation.
If something seems unusual, book an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.
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Conclusion
Australians can avoid or treat most cases of skin cancer because it is highly preventable. It is important for cancer to be found early, since this can help you avoid severe issues.
- A skin check should be a regular part of your life.
- Find skin cancer as soon as possible
- Help avoid the need for surgery or strong treatments
- Provide an extra benefit for your health
Including skin checks in your health care routine is just as important as your dental visits or getting blood tests.
