Skin Cancer Checks

Skin Cancer Facts

Skin cancer or skin carcinomas are malignant, abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions that arise in the skin.

90% of skin cancers are due to overexposure to UV light from the sun or solariums. The best way to survive skin cancer Is early diagnosis and treatment.

Unfortunately, they are prevalent, and 66% of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before they turn 70. This is almost three times the rate 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 Australians between 15-44 years.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Specific individuals may be at higher risk of developing skin cancer and may benefit from more frequent or earlier skin cancer screenings. These individuals include:

• People with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes.
• People who have a history of sunburns, particularly early in life.
• People who have a family history of skin cancer.
• People with a history of excessive sun exposure from outdoor activities or indoor tanning.
• People with many moles or moles that are large, irregularly shaped, or have multiple colours.

Getting a baseline skin cancer check by your GP or a dermatologist in early adulthood is a good idea, and then continuing with regular checkups is advisable. It's also important to be aware of any skin changes and bring them to your doctor's attention.

What is a Skin Cancer Check?

A skin cancer check, also known as a skin exam, is a visual examination of the skin performed by a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or GP (primary care physician). 

A skin cancer check aims to identify abnormal or suspicious moles, growths, or other skin changes that could indicate skin cancer. During a skin cancer check, the healthcare professional will 

• Inspect the skin surface, including the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, hands, legs, and feet. 
• Use a dermatoscope, a handheld device that magnifies the skin to aid the examination.
• A biopsy may be performed to confirm or rule out the presence of skin cancer If any suspicious or abnormal areas are found.

Regular skin cancer checks are essential for the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

Get Familiar With Your Skin & Body

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

Look for anything changing uniquely on your skin for over 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, immediately arrange an appointment with our doctors for a skin check.

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 to detect skin cancer.

Benefits of Regular Skin Cancer Checks

Skin cancer checks have several benefits, including:

• Early detection: Skin cancer checks can help identify skin cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. Early detection can lead to better outcomes and a higher chance of successful treatment.
• Prevention: During a skin cancer check, a doctor can also advise on reducing the risk of skin cancer, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen.
• Peace of mind: A skin cancer check can provide peace of mind to individuals concerned about their skin health. Individuals can feel reassured that their skin is healthy if no abnormal or suspicious areas are found.
• Personalised care: Skin cancer checks can also monitor existing moles or growths identified as high risk for cancer. This allows for early detection of changes and personalised care to manage potential risks.
• Cost-effective: Skin cancer checks are a cost-effective way to detect skin cancer and prevent it from progressing. Early skin cancer detection and treatment can be less expensive and less invasive than treating advanced stages.

Regular skin cancer checks are essential for maintaining good skin health and identifying potential issues early on. A primary care physician or a dermatologist can perform them.

Types of Skin Cancer Checks

There are several types of skin cancer checks that doctors may use to identify skin cancer:

• Visual examination: A doctor will inspect the entire skin surface, including the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, hands, legs, and feet. They will look for abnormal or suspicious moles, growths, or other skin changes indicative of skin cancer.
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a non-invasive, diagnostic method where a handheld device called a dermatoscope is used to magnify the skin. It allows a doctor to examine the skin in more detail, including the colour, shape, and structure of moles or other skin lesions.
• Biopsy: If a doctor identifies a suspicious mole or growth, they may perform a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure where a small skin sample is taken and examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous.
• Total body photography: This is a technique where an individual's whole body is photographed, and a doctor can analyse pictures later to check for any changes; this is particularly useful for individuals with a lot of moles or has had previous skin cancer.
• Blood tests: Blood tests are not typically used as a primary screening tool for skin cancer, but in some cases, they can be used to help detect the presence of cancer cells in the body.

A skin cancer check is not a definitive diagnosis, and a biopsy may be needed to confirm the presence of skin cancer.

Dermatologist

What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor specialising in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist if they deem it necessary.