Skin Checks and Mole Removal
Did you know that 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70? [1] Alarmingly, around 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year. [2]
In light of this, it is extremely important to be aware of any skin changes on your body, and if you see anything unusual or notice any changes in your skin, to ensure you see your doctor immediately. Remember to check your entire body, including parts not exposed to sun, as cancers can still occur in these areas. Ask a friend or family member to check areas that you can’t see properly, such as your scalp or back. To learn more about checking your skin, have a read of this article.
You can also refer to the SunSmart ‘Spot the Difference’ guide (below) to educate yourself about the appearance of harmful skin spots.
Being aware of the risks of skin cancer, and how to perform skin checks is highly relevant to young people. In fact, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among adolescents and young adults is melanoma; it accounts for more than one-quarter of all cancers among Australians aged 15–29 years. [3]
The doctors who consult at HealthMint have the equipment and experience required to assess any areas of concern on your skin, perform body mapping, and mole removal. Call today or book online immediately if you’ve noticed anything of concern – if found early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated.
The importance of regular skin checks
Skin cancer checks are important because over 95% of skin cancers are treatable if they’re discovered early enough. What’s more, this includes 90% of melanomas. Regular skin cancer checks are the only way to guarantee early detection.
You don’t need a skin clinic for a skin check
A GP can perform a skin check and examine any lesions of concern. They are familiar with your history, can talk to you about risk factors and family history, and treat some skin cancers.
What age should you get a skin check?
Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians (15-39 year olds), and approximately 2,500 Australians aged 25-49 years will be diagnosed with melanoma each year. Two in every three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before their 70th birthday.
For this reason, it’s important to have full body skin checks and it’s really never too early to start.
If you have skin spots that are changing rapidly or causing pain, irritation and/or concern, you should see a skin cancer professional for a full body skin check as soon as possible.
What is a mole removal procedure?
If your GP recommends that you have a mole removed, they can typically perform this in our treatment room. Usually the appointment would go for about half an hour, and involve the GP with the help of the practice nurse making you comfortable, applying anaesthetic and then removing or taking a biopsy of the area in question. You would then return for the follow up of results, and for the doctor to continue to monitor you.
References
- Staples MP, Elwood M, Burton RC, Williams JL, Marks R, Giles GG. Non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia: the 2002 national survey and trends since 1985. Med J Aust. 2006;184(1):6-10.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of death 2011. Canberra, Australia Commonwealth of Australia, 2013 3303.0.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer in adolescents and young adults in Australia. Canberra, Australia: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011 Cancer series no. 62. Cat. no. CAN 59.
