Skin cancer is one of the common types of cancer in Australia. Its two common variants, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, usually are curable with the right type of treatment. However, the bad side is that some skin cancer variants like melanoma are life-threatening and very risky.
As with the other types of cancer, skin cancer can get fully recovered if detected at an earlier stage. This is why skin cancer check-ups in Toowoomba or at different clinics are crucial for the patients.
When You Should Carry On Skin Cancer Screening
Most of the medical centres in Australia do not have any specific age recommendations for when to carry on the skin cancer check-up. However, there is no particular time to start the screening. The experts say anyone can go for the baseline skin cancer check when they have some signs. You might be having a high risk of skin cancer if you are having-
- Fair skin
- A job that requires a specific amount of time to spend outdoors
- Blonde or red hair
- Skin that burns easily
- History of tanning bed usage
- Blue or green eyes
- A family having a history of skin cancer
- A large number of moles on the body
If you have first-degree skin cancer, the doctors recommend having a baseline skin examination as soon as possible. Skin cancer can be genetic too, for example, if your mother is diagnosed with skin cancer and you are just 18 years old, go for a primary check-up at the nearby clinic. Anyone concerned about a spot anywhere on the body should also be going for the test.
What Happens During the Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer screening involves a visual examination to find out anything suspicious on the skin. In some circumstances, the patient will be asked to change the dress and wear the medical gown present at the clinic. It is mainly the head-to-toe examination, and all the body parts are being checked thoroughly.
What Are the Self-Check Parameters for Cancer
Along with the screening from a dermatologist, it is also important to regularly examine the skin at home for any abnormalities to get noticed. You can follow the ABCDE rules when checking for abnormalities, mainly moles.
A– Stands for symmetrical. If you found any lesion or mole that is not symmetrical or not wholly round in shape should be thoroughly checked. Skin cancer generally happens in irregular moles.
B– Stands for Border. When you find any model that develops ragged edges and is ununiformed, the mole is cancerous and should be checked.
C– Stands for Colour. When you notice that the Colour of a mole has areas of pigment dropping out shades like blue, white, red and pink it asks for attention.
D– Stands for diameter. The more significant the model, the more critical it is for you to get it checked thoroughly.
E– Stands for evolving. If you find out that any mole is changing the shape or Colour slowly, you should go for a test right now.
At Drayton Medical, the doctors carry on skin cancer check-ups in Toowoomba for patients who have some signs of skin cancer. An annual examination is critical to detect and treat cancerous growth.