Skin cancer is a prevalent condition that can come with complications that affect millions of people worldwide and even more so in Perth, where we can experience harsher UV radiation in comparison to the other states. However, with regular skin checks for early detection, proactive measures can be taken with Palmyra Skin Clinic.
Who Should Get a Skin Cancer Check?
- Individuals with Sun Exposure History: If you’ve spent significant time in the sun, whether for work or leisure, you may be at increased risk of developing skin cancer. This includes tradies, athletes, and sunbathers who may have accumulated sun damage over the years.
- Fair-Skinned Individuals: People with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are more susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer. The lack of melanin in fair skin provides less protection against harmful UV radiation, making regular skin cancer checks essential for early detection.
- Those with a Family History of Skin Cancer: If you have a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, your risk of developing the disease may be higher. Regular skin cancer checks can help identify any suspicious moles or lesions early, allowing for prompt intervention and improved outcomes.
- Individuals with a History of Sunburns: Sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. If you’ve experienced severe or blistering sunburns in the past, it’s important to monitor your skin and schedule regular checks.
- People with a Large Number of Moles: Having numerous moles on your body, especially if they are irregular in shape, size, or colour, can indicate an increased risk of melanoma. Regular skin cancer checks can help track changes in moles over time and detect any signs of malignancy early.
Signs You Need a Skin Cancer Check:
- Changes in Moles: Monitor any changes in the size, shape, colour, or texture of existing moles. A skin cancer specialist can evaluate new moles that appear later in life or moles that begin to itch, bleed, or crust over.
- Irregular Borders: Moles with irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined borders may be a sign of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. If your mole’s borders appear uneven or blurry, it’s essential to have it checked promptly.
- Varied Colours: Pay attention to moles that exhibit multiple colours or shades, such as black, brown, red, white, or blue. These heterogeneous colours within a mole could indicate abnormal cell growth and should be examined by skin specialists such as the staff at Palmyra Skin Clinics.
- Asymmetry: Normal moles are typically symmetrical, meaning one half mirrors the other. If you notice asymmetry in a mole, where one half looks different from the other half, it could be a warning sign that you need to get a skin check.
- Evolving Moles: Any mole that changes in size, shape, colour, or elevation over time should be evaluated by a skin specialist. Rapid changes or evolution in a mole’s appearance may indicate malignant transformation and require immediate attention.
- Persistent Sores or Lesions: Non-healing sores or lesions that persist for several weeks despite proper wound care may be a sign of skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. These lesions often appear in scaly, crusty, or ulcerated areas on the skin.
- Unusual Growth: Be wary of any new growths on your skin, especially those that appear rapidly or continue to enlarge over time. While not all growths are cancerous, it can be good to have them examined by a skin cancer specialist to rule out malignancy.
Early detection can help reduce the risk of severity caused by skin cancer. By recognising the signs that indicate you may need a skin cancer check and seeking prompt evaluation from a qualified skin cancer specialist, you can take proactive steps towards protecting your skin health and well-being. Don’t wait until it’s too late—Book an appointment with Palmyra Skin Clinic and invest in a healthier, brighter future for your skin.