Each year 434,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer. 95% of skin cancers can be cured if caught early and the vast majority of cancers are first detected by patients themselves or friends/family. For this reason, as well as attending for regular skin checks, it is important to be on the look out for any concerning changes in your skin. Look for spots that have changed in any way, that are different from other spots on your body and for sores that don't heal.

Skin cancers can be divided into Melanoma and Non-Melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma are the least common but the most serious and left untreated may spread to other parts of the body. Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma are common and grow slowly over months to years damaging local tissue. Squamous cell carcinoma grow over months and a small percentage can spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma ABCD


Prevention is better than cure so it is vitally important to protect your skin from the strong Western Australian sun so remember be SunSmart:

1. SLIP on protective clothing
   
2. SLOP on 30+ SPF suncreen which meets Australians standards  - 'AUST L' or 'AS/NZS 2604:98'.
3. SLAP on a hat
   
4. SEEK shade
   
5. SLIDE on some shades with an EPF of 10
   

In addition to self-monitoring, Sunsmart recommend regular checks by your GP as being the best way to screen for early skin cancers.

To book an appointment for a general skin check or to have a particular mole examined call us on (08) 9221 4747. We have facilities for biopsy or excision of worrying lesions (whilst this may be done on the day, may require scheduling a further appointment)