Skin cancer checks

Regular skin checks are important

Moles

Almost all of us have moles. Moles are not normally present at birth but appear in childhood and early teenage years. By the age of 15,  Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles.
Normal moles usually look alike, generally, after the age of 25, the appearance of moles can change.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. More than 500,000 new cases are reported each year-and the incidence is rising faster than any other type of cancer.
While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 per cent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous.
Who Gets Skin Cancer…and Why?
One of the main causes of skin damage is from the sun. Other artificial ultraviolet radiation, now banned in Victoria -like sunlamps and tanning booths can have a detrimental effect on your health
In fact, evidence has shown, the lack of sunscreen and our quest for the perfect tan, an increase in outdoor activities, and perhaps climate change could be behind the alarming rise we are  seeing in skin cancers.
Fortunately now hats and sunscreens are more acceptable.
Regardless what your sex, age or skin type is, we are all at risk of getting skin cancer.
The risk increases if –
* Your skin is fair and freckles easily.
* You have light-coloured hair and eyes.
* You have a large number of moles or moles of unusual size or shape.
* You have a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of blistering sunburn.
* You spend a lot of time working or playing outdoors.
* You live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in any place that gets intense, year-round sunshine.
* You received therapeutic radiation treatments for adolescent acne.
Types of Skin Cancer
The most popular skin cancer is the slow-growing basal cell carcinoma. This makes it one of the least dangerous and rarely spreads beyond the original lesion. It is seldom life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can spread under the skin into deeper tissue or bone.
For further information on our mole removal treatments please either, call (03) 9824 6134 or email us, for a no-obligation appointment or inquire about options regarding your concerns.