Do you ever get worried about melanoma? About 9% of adults aged 25-29 years old develop some form of skin cancer every year. In Australia, approximately 3 in 100 Australians will develop melanoma in their lifetime. Melanoma has become the most common type of skin cancer in Australia. The rise in incidence is due to increased sun exposure and greater awareness of the disease. It’s essential to check out your skin regularly. Sundoctors Australia is a professional skin check Melbourne clinic staffed by trained medical professionals.
How Do You Know If Your Skin Is Normal Or Abnormal?
Any color changes are usually a sign of something wrong with the skin. You may notice things like:
- A new birthmark that takes longer than it should go away
- White spots on your skin
- An increase in redness or pigmentation
- A mole or spot that looks different from others
- Darker patches of skin, especially around your head
- Bruising on the surface of your skin
You’re probably wondering how you can tell when something more serious is going on. Well, here are a few signs to look for.
When treating skin conditions like skin cancer, early detection is crucial. It’s essential to be aware of what your body is telling you, so you don’t have to wait until symptoms such as pain or bleeding occur. Unfortunately, this can mean missing the first warning signs. So why is it essential to inspect your skin and pay attention to these possible changes? Here are some reasons why:
Early Action Increases Your Chances Of Success
There are many types of skin cancers and having an early diagnosis gives you the best chance of being cured. For example, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer share similar signs and symptoms. Early identification can also rule out other skin concerns.
Finding and removing pre-cancerous growths now means less invasive surgery later.
Surgery can remove the whole skin tumor or part of it. This approach can prevent the further spread of pre-cancerous cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. A skin biopsy is done to confirm whether the lesion is cancerous. What else can I do to reduce my risk?
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the single most effective way to protect against UV damage and minimize the risk of skin cancer. Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before spending time outdoors is recommended by health professionals. Sunscreens should ideally provide at least SPF 15 or higher protection. They should be applied liberally – overexposed areas twice a day, and reapplied after swimming, showering, and towel drying. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your lips, nose, ears, and eyelids too. Your doctor may recommend a specific product depending on your personal needs.
Know Your Family History
Genetic factors play an essential role in developing skin cancer, particularly for people who have had multiple moles removed previously. People with fair skin are more likely to get skin cancer because they burn easily. People with light-colored hair tend to tan more quickly and darken freckles and moles faster. If you know anyone with a high risk of skin cancer, talk to them about appropriate measures to take to avoid catching their particular condition.
Get Regular Screening Checks
If you think you might develop skin cancer, speak to your GP. Regular checkups allow doctors to catch issues early and give you plenty of warning to act accordingly. Checkups include:
Clinical examination – including checking for lumps and bumps and looking for early indications of potential melanoma.
The Bottom Line
Melanoma is a type of cancer that can be deadly. It’s caused by an excess of melanin in the skin cells, producing a dark pigment called melanin. The most common places where melanoma can grow are on your back, legs, arms, and face. While there are no guarantees against developing this disease, it’s possible to reduce your risk with a regular skin check.