Skin cancer: Know what to look for!
Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt.Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles.
Check for signs of skin cancerThe sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level o risk and for advice on early detection.It's important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so that you notice any changes. Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt.Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles.How to check your skinHow to check your skin in the mirror Make sure you check your entire body as skin cancers can sometimes occur in parts of the body not exposed to the sun, for example soles of the feet, between fingers and toes and under nails.Undress completely and make sure you have good light.Use a mirror to check hard to see spots, like your back and scalp, or get a family member, partner or friend to check it for you. 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. See your doctor if a mole looks different or if a new mole appears after the age of 25. The more moles a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma.Harmless coloured spots that range from 1mm to10mm.Uniform in shape and even coloured. May be raised. The more moles or freckles you have the higher your risk of skin cancer. May have uneven borders and multiple colours like brown and black. Observe moles carefully for any sign of change. Although you may notice one or more skin changes, it does not necessarily mean that you have skin cancer, however it is important that you visit your GP to have them investigated further. Your GP can discuss your skin cancer risk and advise you on your need for medical checks or self-examination. It can be difficult to know whether something on your skin is a harmless mole or normal sun damage, or a sign of cancer. When in doubt, speak to your GP.