The risk of cancer increases with age, and the number of adults seeking treatment is increasing dramatically, in line with our aging population. Of all cancers, skin cancer is by far the most common in Australians. The total number of new skin cancers diagnosed – both melanoma and non-melanoma amounts to about 80 per cent of all new cancers diagnosed each year overall*.
Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70*. Around 434,000 Australians are treated for non-melanoma skin cancer annually* – which is more than 1,000 people every day.
In times past, we were not as aware of the dangers of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light – both natural and artificial – as we are today. Now we know there is no such thing as a ‘healthy tan’ and more than 95 per cent of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun*.
Not surprisingly, outdoor workers such as farmers, forestry workers and builders, who have spent their working life in the sun, often without adequate protection, are well represented among those needing treatment.
Dr Suran Rajapakse of Gentle Hands Skin Cancer Clinic calls the prevalence of skin cancer an epidemic – and with the arrival in retirement years of the baby boomers, who enjoyed their halcyon days soaking up the sun, it’s only really starting.
“Certainly, if we are not careful when we are young, it will come back to haunt us when we are older. The good news is if skin cancers are identified early, they can usually be cured. But if ignored, the consequences can include disfigurement or, in some cases, death,” says Dr Suran Rajapakse.
Dr Suran Rajapakse hopes that by engaging with the local community and prompting a greater awareness of the causes and early signs, the increasing incidence of skin cancer can one day be reversed. He explains that sometimes people see him have a single mole checked, only to find that another lesion, lump or mole that they haven’t considered is of much greater concern.
You, your partner and your family will know better than anyone else if something on your skin is new or changing – these are two important early warning signs. Become familiar with your spots and moles and check your skin regularly. The Skin Cancer College Australasia promotes a simple, but very effective mantra: SCAN Your Skin.
SCAN means to look for a spot or mole that is…
Sore, scaly, itchy, bleeding, tender and doesn’t heal within six weeks.
Changing in appearance, size, shape or colour.
Abnormal: Looks different, feels different, or stands out compared to others. New: Most melanomas – and all other skin cancers – arise this way.
For more information go to: www.scanyourskin.org
The more SCAN features a spot or mole exhibits, the more concerning it may be. If this sounds like you, see your GP or a doctor with advanced qualifications in skin cancer medicine, and ask for a spot check, or better still – a full skin check.
How long does a skin check take?
A thorough skin check can take up to 45 minutes. This includes some time for the doctor to discuss your medical history – which can have an impact on your risk of developing skin cancer.
What equipment does the doctor use?
A doctor who has been trained to use a dermatoscopy will take a close-up look at any spots of concern to assist in a diagnosis. A dermatoscope is a bit like a torch with a magnifying glass attached to the end. Using a dermatoscopy is painless, and greatly assists the doctor in deciding if a spot or mole is, or is not of concern. If uncertain, the doctor may take a dermoscopic photograph of a spot or mole so that it can be monitored over time for any changes.
What happens if the doctor finds anything that could be skin cancer?
Your doctor will tell you straight away if you have any moles or spots which require testing. To test the mole or spot the doctor will either take a small biopsy (sample) of it, or completely excise (cut out) the spot of concern – under local anaesthetic of course. In most cases, another appointment will be made to remove the abnormal mole or spot. This type of minor surgery can be carried out at your doctor’s surgery or office. There is usually no need for this to be done in a hospital.
After it is removed, the mole or spot is sent to a pathology laboratory for testing. Receiving the test results can take from one to several days, depending on the pathology provider.
What happens if skin cancer is found?
In most cases, when found early, skin cancer can be easily and successfully treated with surgery. Most skin cancers are cured once they are removed. Other non-surgical treatments such as creams, radiotherapy, or light therapy may be used but this will depend on the type of skin cancer found.
What happens after the skin check?
Depending on your level of risk for developing skin cancer, your doctor may recommend regular follow-up skin checks. Follow-up skin check frequency can vary from every few months to once every year or two. Most doctors will have a system in place to send you a skin check reminder, but it is also a good idea to keep your record of when a follow-up skin check is due.
The Gentle Hands Skin Cancer Clinic is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. It offers local, cost-effective access to advanced knowledge, diagnostic techniques, and treatment. You, however, are the person most familiar with your skin, so SCAN thoroughly and repeat often. It’s a simple habit to get into, and one that might save your life.
*Cancer Council Australia – Skin cancer facts and figures, updated March 2014 [Ends]
For more information please contact:
Dr Suran Rajapakse
Gentle Hands Skin Cancer Clinic, OCHRE Gungahlin
Gungahlin Square, 10 Hinder St, Gungahlin ACT 2912
(02) 6241 0888
info@gentlehands.com.au
