Skin Cancers
Skin cancers often start as changes to your skin. They can be new growth or from those normal looking moles. It has been estimated that about 40% of fair skinned people who live till 65 will develop one skin cancer. The best way to treating skin cancers is to catch them very early.
Skin Cancers are very common in Australia. They occur when skin cells are damaged by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Every year, in Australia:
- skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers
- between 95 and 99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun
- GPs have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer
- The incidence of skin cancer is one of the highest in the world, two to three times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK.
There are three main types of skin cancer but there are many other skin lesions that mimics cancers but they are not cancers. These are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma.
Our doctors at Zenith Integrative Medical Centre can conduct skin checks to assist you in picking up early cancers.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The other skin cancers are not as dangerous as Melanoma but they can be very destructive to local tissues.
The earlier a skin cancer is identified and treated; the better is the chance of avoiding extensive skin surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
It is also a good idea to talk to us at Zenith Medical Centre about your level of risk and for advice on early detection. Prevention is better than cure as the sayings go.
Things you can do
Become familiar with the look of your skin, so you 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 (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour).
If you noticed any of the above, a check up may be required to determine what type of lesion you have.
We may perform a biopsy (remove a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope). Sometimes a referral to Specialist centres may be required in cases of Melanoma and advanced non melanoma cancers.
You may also visit our Health Link update to read more about Skin Cancers.
The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
It's important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so that you notice any changes. Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt.
Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles.
CHECK THE PICTURE BELOW IF YOU ONE THAT LOOKS SIMILAR, TAKE ACTION TODAY AND HAVE IT CHECKED
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