Did you know that a skin cancer screening should be performed at least once a year?
When was the last time you checked your skin? With Australia’s high rates of skin cancer, a regular skin check isn’t just a precaution—it’s a vital step in protecting your health. When it comes to skin cancer, early detection can make all the difference.
Skin cancer is mainly caused by overexposure to UV radiation, which damages the DNA in skin cells and can lead to abnormal growths. While wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak UV hours are essential steps, they don’t provide complete protection on their own.
It's still important to monitor changes in your skin, which is why regular skin checks are a vital part of protecting your health.
There are two main types of skin cancer to be aware of:
Non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common and includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While they’re usually treatable, they can cause significant damage if not caught early. Melanoma is a less common but more serious type of skin cancer that can develop anywhere on the body—not just sun-exposed areas. It often looks like a new or changing mole and can spread quickly, making early detection crucial. An easy way to spot melanoma is by using the ABCDE rule.
Between professional checks, you can monitor your skin using the ABCDE rule for melanoma.
What does a skin check involve?
A skin check is essentially a professional evaluation of your skin to spot any abnormalities, especially when it comes to skin cancer. A dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe, checking areas you might not always notice, like your scalp, nails, and the back of your ears. Your practitioner will look for anything suspicious like new growths, changing moles, or unusual spots. If anything looks suspicious, your doctor might take a biopsy to test it for cancer.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, and it can form anywhere on the body. Don’t wait for symptoms or visible changes to prompt action—make annual skin checks a priority to protect yourself and your loved ones.