Kick Summer Off With a Skin Cancer Check And Peace Of Mind
We love love love summer, but we don’t love love love what that big, beautiful sun in the sky can do to our skin!
It’s no secret Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, but did you know that at least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70? That’s a hectic stat, right?
Now, we are getting wayyyyy better at covering up with sunscreen, hats, long sleeves and keeping out of the sun in the heat of the day, but if we really want to close the loop and minimise our risk of skin cancer impacting us negatively, a skin cancer check is the way to go.
So, we’re calling on all Highlanders to start their summer off with a skin check so you can head into the warmer months with peace of mind that all is well, or you can action anything that looks a little dodgy.
We spoke to Dr Ono Alex-Ohunyon at Walker Street General Practice who gave us some awesome advice on who should get checked, how often you should get checked, what to expect at a skin cancer screening appointment and what to look out for when you’re checking yourself at home in between appointments.
He’s undertaken specialised training in the assessment and management of skin cancer (Dr Jessica Hines at Walker Street has too) so knows what he’s talking about!
Dr Ono and Dr Jessica.
1 // Who should get a skin check and how often should we book one in?
We recommend a full skin cancer screening every 12 months for those over the age of 30 and more if you are at risk of skin cancer. You are at a higher risk if:
- You have a family member with melanoma or other skin cancers
- You’ve previously had skin cancer
- You have red hair, fair skin, blue eyes and/or a lot of moles
- You spend a lot of time outdoors or have a job where you work outside
- A history of sunburn or blistering.
2 // What is skin cancer and why is it so dangerous?
It’s the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations or genetic defects which lead the skin cells to multiply and form malignant tumours if not removed quickly.
There are different types of skin cells, each with their own specific type of cancer.
The three main ones are known as basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
The key to a good outcome is early detection and treatment.
3 // Okay, so what’s involved in the Skin Cancer Screening Process?
It’s very thorough and will take between 20 – 40 minutes depending on your risk factors and skin type.
We’ll do a comprehensive head to toe check, examining the skin (with your underwear left on). If you’re a bit uncomfortable about that, we can do a more limited examination so exposed areas only, upper half only or a single spot where you’ve noticed some changes. You can let us know ahead of time if you’d like a chaperone with you.
We examine the skin with a bright light and a handheld dermatoscope, which gives us a greater accuracy rate. If we find something, we can treat it on the spot by freezing (cryotherapy), biopsy or surgical excision. Or you can book if for another appointment to have that done.
4 // What are you looking for and what should we be looking for when we check our skin at home?
It’s really important to keep an eye on your skin and get to know where your freckles, moles and skin marks are and what they look like. The reason for that is skin cancer is often picked up when the shape, size or colour of an existing mole changes. Or if you notice a new skin mark.
It’s so important for you to regularly check your skin at home (every 3 months) in between your annual screening and make an appointment with us if you notice anything changing.
Among the many tools available, we commonly use the ABCDE Melanoma guide to check a pigmented spot or mole or freckle:
A is it Asymmetric?
B Does it have a Border around it?
C Is the Colour inconsistent?
D Has the Diameter changed?
E Is the mole Evolving i.e.getting bigger?
5 // So why would we go to a GP for a skin check? Shouldn’t we go to a dermatologist instead?
The GP’s in the Skin Cancer Clinic – that’s Dr Jessica and myself – at Walker Street General Practice have extra qualifications, additional experience and specialised equipment for a thorough skin cancer screening.
We can treat many suspicious looking moles or growths at the practice and then refer you to a dermatologist if an additional level of care is needed.
As a GP is likely to be your first point of contact in most matters of personal health, we quite often will be seeing patients about other health matters and they’ll mention a suspicious looking mole which we’ll take a look at.
It all depends on who you’re most comfortable with.
6 // Okay, we’re keen to start the summer with a clean slate, so what do we do next?
That part is really simple. Just call Walker Street General Practice on 4861 3855 to make an appointment.
When you call, specify that you would like to book in for a comprehensive Skin Cancer Screening – that means the team will allow extra time in the schedule to make sure you get a thorough skin check.
Then make that an annual thing!
It’s a good idea to book yourself in every year near a milestone like a birthday, start of the school year, an anniversary or at the beginning of summer, so it becomes a habit for you.
And in the meantime, if you notice anything unusual appearing on your skin or a change in a mole or freckle, or a new skin mark call us immediately for a skin check or book online.
Time is of the essence when we’re dealing with skin cancer. Putting it off can be deadly – literally.
Okay peeps! It’s pretty hard to argue with that, right? Call the guys on 4861 3855 or check out their website for more information.
Thanks Dr Ono!
Walker Street General Practice is a friendly and family-focused general practice located in Bowral. Their team of doctors have extensive medical experience and the passion to provide you with the best possible care. Click here for more information or to book an appointment online. Or give them a call on 02 4861 3855.
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