Skin cancer is still Australia’s most common cancer. It is also the most costly and one of the most preventable. Every year, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of and around 2000 Australians die from this disease.
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors that increase the chances of melanoma, including:
fair skin
high mole count
family history
pattern of sunburns throughout life, especially during childhood.
Self-Checks
Try to become familiar with the look of your skin, so you can pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for:
any crusty, non-healing sores
small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months.
If you notice a strange new mole on your skin or an old mole that’s started changing, it’s important to see your GP right away. Some people at higher risk require regular, planned skin assessments.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your GP will conduct a skin check using a magnifying instrument called a dermoscope. If they find anything concerning, they may recommend cryotherapy or other non-surgical treatments, or biopsy or referral to a dermatologist. If you require surgical treatment, you will need to make a subsequent appointment.
For more informatiuon, visit the Cancer Council.
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