Skin cancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the world. But this type of cancer can be treated if diagnosed early through a thorough Skin Cancer Check.
According to Cancer Australia, the cancer of the skin is declared the fourth leading diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2016. The government agency also estimated that it would become the third leading diagnosed country in 2020. It is why all Australians must protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays to avoid having cancer.
But aside from protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiations, it is also important to get regular, once-a-year skin cancer checks. You must do it more often if your family has a history of skin cancer. These health monitoring procedures are usually fast and hassle-free. You can have one done in 15 minutes.
Several types of skin cancers are common in Australia. The first two are called Basal and Squamous cell carcinomas, which affect either the skin’s basal or the squamous layers. Meanwhile, the third most common cancer is called Melanoma, which affects the melanocytes.
Any person can develop skin cancer. But other people possess certain characteristics that make them more prone to having the disease, including:
Too much exposure to UV rays can also make people more susceptible to skin cancer.
During your first visit, the health experts will ask you several questions to determine you and your family’s history of Skin Cancer. It will help if you have the answers ready to the questions ahead of time. If you are unsure if someone in your clan has a history of the disease, you may ask them before your scheduled appointment.
It is also best to let the doctors know if there are any specific areas in your skin that you are deeply worried about. It will allow the health expert to focus on that area and alleviate your concerns. The skin cancer specialist may advise you to undergo a Skin Biopsy when needed for further testing to diagnose or rule out any serious conditions.
If you suspect that you or someone you love may have skin cancer, you must schedule an appointment with a skin cancer specialist right away. Early diagnosis can help you beat cancer through proper treatments.
To book an appointment, call Gerringong Medical & Skin Centre at 02 4216 3100