Are You at Risk of Skin Cancer? Take Control of Your Skin Health at Cosmetic Elegance Clinic
Understanding your risk level for developing skin cancer is crucial for maintaining a proactive approach to your skin health. At Cosmetic Elegance Clinic, we believe in the power of early detection and treatment as the most effective means of skin cancer management.
Introducing SCAN Your Skin: Know What You Are Looking For.
Most of us are aware that protecting our skin from the sun is essential in preventing skin cancer. However, what if your skin hasn’t always been adequately protected? Perhaps you can’t always avoid sun exposure, or maybe there is a history of skin cancer in your family.
Preventing skin cancer is not only about sun protection but also about knowing your personal risk level. To assist you in this journey, our doctors and researchers have developed a simple guide that allows you to quickly calculate your skin cancer risk and recognize early signs of skin cancer. With ten easy questions, take a few minutes to SCAN your skin and gain valuable insights.
Your Role in Early Detection: Empowering You for Optimal Skin Health.
While it’s your doctor’s responsibility to diagnose skin cancer accurately, you possess valuable knowledge about your own skin. You know better than anyone if something on your skin is new or changing, two important early warning signs. Remember, in conjunction with sun protection, early detection is your best defense against skin cancer.
Important Facts about Skin Cancer
- Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.
- Skin cancers account for approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
- Over 90% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
- Melanoma is the most common life-threatening cancer among the 15 to 44-year age group.
- Melanoma ranks as the third most common life-threatening cancer in both men and women overall.
Assess Your Risk Level: Take the Online Test.
To determine your personal risk of developing skin cancer, we invite you to take our online test at www.scanyourskin.org. This interactive assessment will provide you with valuable insights into your risk level, empowering you to take appropriate actions for your skin health.
How to Check for Skin Cancer: A Simple Guide
To help you check your skin and recognise early signs of skin cancer, follow this straightforward guide:
- The more SCAN features a spot or mole has (Sore, Changing, Abnormal, New), the more concerning it may be. For example, a new mole that is changing in appearance and is abnormal should be checked by a doctor urgently.
- Most individuals have developed all their moles by the age of 40. A new mole appearing after this age raises suspicion, and the older you are, the more suspicious a new mole becomes.
- If you discover a spot or mole of concern, promptly consult your doctor for either a “spot check” or a full skin check.
- Familiarise yourself with the spots and moles on your skin. Regularly check your own skin or, if applicable, your partner’s skin.
- Remember, early detection, in conjunction with sun protection, is your best defense against skin cancer.
What to Expect during a Skin Check at Cosmetic Elegance Clinic
A skin check typically takes up to 30 minutes, allowing the doctor time to inquire about your general health. Inform the doctor about any spots or moles that are new, sore, changing, or unusual. The actual examination of your skin may take 5 to 20 minutes, depending on your skin type and the number of moles and spots to be assessed.
During the examination, your doctor will utilise a dermatoscope, a painless device that provides a close-up and magnified view of any spots of concern. In some cases, the doctor may take photographs of spots.
