Skin Cancer Check: Why Regular Exams Matter

We all love a bit of sun here in Australia, don’t we? Long days at the beach, backyard barbecues, and playing sports outdoors are just a part of our way of life. But with all that sunshine comes a serious responsibility: looking after our skin. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and it does an amazing job of protecting us from the world. However, it’s also very vulnerable to sun damage, which can lead to something we all want to avoid: skin cancer.

That’s why understanding the importance of a skin cancer check is so vital. It’s not just a fancy medical term; it’s a simple, powerful step you can take to protect your health and even save your life. Think of it like getting your car serviced – you do it regularly to prevent big problems down the track. Your skin deserves the same care, if not more!

What is a Skin Cancer Check?

So, what exactly is a skin cancer check? In simple terms, it’s a thorough examination of your skin by a trained healthcare professional, often a doctor or a dermatologist. They’ll look at your moles, freckles, and any other spots on your skin to see if there are any changes that could be a sign of skin cancer.

It’s not just about looking for obvious bumps or dark spots. Skin cancer can come in many forms, and some are very subtle. A professional knows what to look for, even the tiny details that might seem insignificant to you. They use their knowledge and sometimes special tools, like a dermatoscope (a bit like a magnifying glass with a light), to get a really good look.

The main goal of a skin cancer check is to spot any suspicious areas early. The earlier skin cancer is found, the easier it is to treat, and the more likely it is that the treatment will be successful. It’s all about catching it before it has a chance to spread and become a much bigger problem.

Why You Should Have Regular Skin Cancer Screenings

You might be thinking, “My skin looks fine, why do I need a check?” That’s a fair question. The truth is, skin cancer often doesn’t cause pain or discomfort in its early stages. You might not even notice it yourself. That’s why regular skin cancer screenings are so incredibly important.

Here in Australia, we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. This is mainly due to our strong UV radiation from the sun and our outdoor lifestyle. It’s not just older people who get skin cancer either; it can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin type. While some people are at higher risk (more on that later), no one is completely immune.

Think of regular skin cancer screenings as your personal early warning system. By having them done regularly, you create a baseline for your skin. Your doctor, like Pascoe Vale doctors, gets to know your moles and spots, and if anything changes from one check to the next, they’ll be much quicker to notice it. This proactive approach can make all the difference. It’s about prevention and early intervention, which are always better than waiting until a problem becomes serious.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer to Look Out For

While professional screenings are crucial, you can also be your own first line of defence. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your own skin regularly, perhaps once a month. When you do, remember the “ABCDE” rule for checking moles and spots for signs of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer:

• A for Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other half.
• B for Border Irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, blurred, or poorly defined.
• C for Colour Variation: The colour is not uniform and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• D for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimetres (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
• E for Evolving: The mole or spot is changing in size, shape, colour, or elevation, or any new symptom appears, such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.

Besides melanoma, there are other common types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These often appear as:

• A new, persistent lump or sore that doesn’t heal.
• A red, scaly patch that might bleed easily.
• A shiny, waxy bump.
• A flat, firm, pale, or yellow area.

If you notice anything new, changing, or unusual on your skin, even if it doesn’t fit the ABCDE rule perfectly, it’s always best to get it checked out by a doctor. Don’t wait and worry; a quick check can give you peace of mind.

How a Skin Cancer Check Is Performed

You might wonder what actually happens during a skin cancer check. It’s usually straightforward and relatively quick.

When you go for your appointment, your doctor will likely ask you some questions about your medical history, especially regarding your sun exposure, any previous skin cancers, and if anyone in your family has had skin cancer. They might also ask if you’ve noticed any particular spots that concern you.

Then, you’ll be asked to undress your underwear so the doctor can examine your entire skin surface. They’ll go over your body systematically, often starting from your head and working their way down to your toes, including areas that don’t get much sun, like between your toes or on your scalp. This is because skin cancer can sometimes appear in unexpected places.

As mentioned before, they’ll use their eyes and often a dermatoscope to examine any moles, freckles, or suspicious lesions closely. They might also take photos of certain moles to keep a record and compare them at your next check-up. This helps them track any changes over time.

The whole process is generally quite quick, often taking only 10-20 minutes, depending on how many moles you have and whether any require closer inspection. It’s a professional and respectful examination, and your comfort is important.

What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening

So, you’ve decided to get a skin cancer screening – great choice! Knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves you might have.

Firstly, choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to remove and put back on. You might be given a gown to wear during the examination. Don’t wear any makeup or nail polish on the day, as it can hide important details the doctor needs to see.

During the examination, the doctor will likely be quiet and focused as they scan your skin. They might ask you to move your arms or legs to get a better view of certain areas. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have any. It’s your health; you have every right to understand what’s happening.

If the doctor finds a suspicious spot, they might explain why it’s a concern. They could suggest a few different next steps:

• Monitoring: They might recommend monitoring it closely and re-checking it at your next appointment for slightly suspicious but not immediately worrying spots.
• Biopsy: For more suspicious spots, they might recommend a biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of the skin lesion (either part of it or the whole thing) and sending it to a lab for analysis under a microscope. This is the only way to definitively diagnose skin cancer.
• Immediate Removal: In some cases, if the spot looks clearly cancerous, they might recommend its immediate removal.

Remember, finding a suspicious spot doesn’t automatically mean it’s cancer. Many moles are completely harmless. The biopsy is done to be sure. If a biopsy is needed, the doctor will explain the procedure, how to care for the wound, and when you can expect the results.

The Role of a Skin Cancer Check in Early Detection

The single most powerful benefit of a skin cancer check is its role in early skin cancer detection. This cannot be stressed enough. When skin cancer is caught early, before it has a chance to grow deep or spread to other parts of the body, treatment is much simpler and more effective.

For example, melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, has a very high cure rate if detected and treated early. However, if it’s left to grow and spread, it becomes much more difficult to treat and can be life-threatening. The same applies to other types of skin cancer, too.

Think of it this way: a tiny, surface-level skin cancer can often be removed with a simple procedure in the doctor’s office, leaving minimal scarring. If it’s ignored and allowed to become a large, deep tumour, it might require more extensive surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Clearly, catching it early is the best outcome.

Your skin cancer check is an investment in your future health. It’s a proactive measure that empowers you to take control and significantly improve your chances of a positive outcome should skin cancer ever develop.

Who Should Get a Skin Cancer Check?

While everyone in Australia can benefit from a skin cancer check, some people are at a higher risk and should be particularly diligent about regular screenings. You should definitely consider regular checks if you have:

• Fair skin that burns easily: People with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and blue or green eyes have less protective pigment (melanin) in their skin.
• A large number of moles (more than 50-100): The more moles you have, the higher your risk.
• Many unusual or “atypical” moles: These are moles that look different from typical moles.
• A history of severe sunburns, especially during childhood: Sunburns, particularly blistering ones, significantly increase your risk.
• A personal history of skin cancer: If you’ve had skin cancer before, you’re at a higher risk of developing new ones.
• A family history of melanoma: If a close relative (parent, sibling, child) has had melanoma, your risk is increased.
• Spent a lot of time outdoors for work or leisure: Farmers, tradies, surfers, and anyone who spends extended periods in the sun.
• Weakened immune system: Due to certain medications or medical conditions.

Living in sunny Australia means you still have a significant risk, even if you don’t fall into these high-risk categories. If you have any concerns or want peace of mind, a skin cancer check is always a good idea. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

How Often Should You Have a Skin Cancer Check?

This is a common question, and the answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all. The frequency of your skin cancer check will depend on your individual risk factors.

• For most people with average risk: A check-up every 12 months is generally recommended. This allows your doctor to monitor your skin for any changes over a year.
• For people with higher risk factors: If you have many moles, a history of skin cancer, or a strong family history, your doctor might recommend checks more frequently, perhaps every 3 to 6 months.
• If you notice something new or concerning: Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. If you spot a new mole, a mole that’s changing, or any other suspicious lesion, get it checked by your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor at Lotus Medical Centre will be able to assess your personal risk and recommend a tailored screening schedule for you. It’s important to stick to this schedule and make your appointments a priority, just like any other important health check.

Conclusion

Taking care of your skin is a lifelong commitment; regular skin cancer checks are a cornerstone of that commitment here in Australia. They are a powerful tool for early skin cancer detection, giving you the best chance of successful treatment if something suspicious is found.

Don’t let fear or procrastination stop you. The process is quick, professional, and its peace of mind is invaluable. By being proactive and having regular screenings, you’re not just looking after your skin; you’re looking after your overall health and well-being.

So, if you haven’t had a Skin Cancer Check recently or are due for one, now is the time to act. It’s a simple step that could make a world of difference to your health.

Take Action for Your Skin Health Today!

Are you ready to take control of your skin health? Don’t put off this vital screening. If you’re in the local area, whether you’re looking for a doctor Brunswick or Pascoe Vale, it’s easy to book your next skin cancer check.

Call Lotus Medical Centre today to schedule your comprehensive skin cancer check and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve. Your skin will thank you!