Skin Cancer Check

If you are Anglo Saxon background, European background, fair-skinned, fair hair, blue or green eyes, history of skin cancers and have been in the sun a lot then you should have regular skin checks for signs of skin cancer. The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated the better chance of avoiding surgery or in the worst case, Melanoma. Lets face it we all love how the sun feels on our bodies after a swim but precautions must always be taken.

A yearly check up with a skin doctor is very important but it is just as important to know your own skin and what is normal if any changes occur. Don't just rely on yearly checks, noticing unusual spots or changes in shape, color or size of skin spots can also save you trauma.

Making a habit of regularly checking your skin for new spots or changes to freckles and moles is very important. You will need to stand in front of a mirror and check your entire body as skin cancers can sometimes occur in parts of the body that are not exposed to the sun. Get a friend or partner to check your back for you.

There are 3 types of skin cancers:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) -makes up to 2/3 of non-melonoma skin cancers. Commonly develop on the head, neck and upper body. May appear as a pearly lump or dry area. They can bleed and ulcerate. They grow slowly and don't usually spread. If untreated it can grow deeper into the skin and damage nearby tissues.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - makes up to 1/3 of non-melonoma skin cancers. Usually appear on the skin that is most often exposed to the sun, eg head, hands, forearms. Appears as a thickened red scaly lump. SCC grow quickly over several weeks and can spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma - only 1-2% of cases, it is the least common but the most serious. Melanoma appears as a black spot with irregular edge and surface, it may appear brown, black, blue, red, white or light grey. If left untreated it can spread deeper into the skin and carried through the lymph vessels to other parts of the body.

Sun exposure is the cause of 99% of non melanoma skin cancers making sun protection the biggest preventative factor. By following these 5 simple steps you can minimize your risk from skin cancer.

1- wear protective clothing.

2- use 50+ sunscreens, apply a thick layer of sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours.

3- wear a broad brimmed hat to protect you face, neck, ears and eyes.

4- sit under shade.

5- wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation.

If you are suspicious of a spot or would like your skin checked out you can see your GP or make an appointment to see Dr Scott at YourSkin Clinic. Not only can we check your skin we can also treat any skin blemishes in our clinic.

Skin Cancer check to be done yearly or more regularly.