Skin Cancer Checks – Monterey Keys Medical Centre – Helensvale

SKIN CANCER CHECK

THE MOST EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT FOR SKIN CANCER IS EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT

Australia has one of the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world with up to 99% of skin cancers being caused by exposure to the sun.
Although your risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer increases with age, it is important to note that melanoma is one of the most common life threatening cancers in the 15 to 44 year age group and the third most common life threatening cancer in both men and women overall.

The most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), can be cured if caught early and properly treated. When melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is detected before it spreads it also has a high cure rate.

So the sooner a skin cancer can be identified and treated, the more likely it is to be cured.

Prevention:

Australia’s love of the outdoors means protection from the sun is vital in preventing skin cancer. The Slip, Slop, and Slap campaign from the 1980s now adds Seek and Slide to the combination.

Slip-on clothes that cover your arms and legs.
Slop on broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Remember to reapply every 2 hours.
Slap on a broad-brimmed hat or one that covers your face, neck, and ears.
Seek shade.
Slide on close-fitting sunglasses.

What happens if skin cancer is found?

In most cases, when detected early, skin cancer can be easily and successfully
treated with surgery. Most skin cancers can be cured once they are removed. Other non-surgical treatments such as creams, radiotherapy or light therapy may be used depending 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. The frequency of follow-up skin checks can vary from every few months to once every year or two. Our Practice has a recall/reminder system in place so we can contact you via SMS, phone or mail for your follow-up appointment. We do recommend that you also keep your own record of when the follow-up skin check is due and ensure that your contact details are always kept up to date on our Practice records.

MKMC Medical is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. We offer convenient and cost-effective access to advanced knowledge, diagnostic techniques and treatments.
It is you though who is most familiar with your own skin, so remember to SCAN thoroughly and regularly.

It’s an easy habit to get into and one that could save your life.