Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the skin, which can often appear as spots, moles, rashes, or lesions. A skin cancer check, also called a mole check, is important for identifying the early stages of skin cancer. People of any age can and should check their skin regularly, as well as seek a professional skin cancer check at least once a year. This will ensure that any malignant (cancerous) lesions are found as soon as possible so that they can be properly treated. If you are seeking a skin cancer check from a quality clinic, speak to our specialists at Star Medical in Sydney. We offer quality skin screenings to give you peace of mind.
What causes skin cancer?
Skin cancer is generally caused by UV (ultraviolet) light from sun exposure. When we spend long periods of time in the sun, the skin absorbs these harmful UV rays which then causes damage to the DNA in our skin cells. The issue is very common in Australia due to our outdoor lifestyles and warm climate. Although spending lots of time in the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, there are other factors that can increase your risk, such as:
- A family history of skin cancer
- Having light or fair skin
- Getting sunburnt
- Using tanning beds frequently
- Having a large number of moles or freckles
- Having skin that burns easily
Even though genetic factors play a role, you should always practice safe sun habits in order to reduce your risk. This is especially vital for people with a family history of skin cancer or who have very fair skin.
How to check your skin
In addition to getting your skin checked by a professional, we encourage people to perform self-checks regularly. Checking your own skin for concerning moles or spots can increase your chances of finding skin cancer promptly, before it progresses and spreads to other areas. This is important, as it will enable you to seek the appropriate treatment to remove the lesion(s) effectively.
When checking your skin, you should find a room with good lighting and use a mirror to help you see. Take note of any unusual spots, moles, or lesions. Make sure you check your whole body, including scalp, palms, feet, under fingernails, and between your toes. For hard to reach areas such as the back, scalp, and back of the neck, you may need to ask someone to help you.
What to look for
When checking your skin, it will help to have a general idea of what to look out for. Symptoms can vary between different people, but there are some common ways to identify a potentially malignant spot. The ABCDE guidelines are helpful to remember:
- Asymmetry – A difference between two halves of the lesion
- Border – Irregular, jagged, or uneven borders
- Colours – Uneven or blotchy in colour
- Diameter – Lesion that has grown or is more than six milimetres in diameter
- Evolution – A difference in the spot or lesion over time
You should also take note of any itching, bleeding, or non-healing spots. If you find something concerning, you should get a skin cancer check by a qualified clinician.
Who should have a professional skin cancer check
You should aim to get a skin cancer check at least once a year, or more frequently if needed. Frequent screenings will help ensure that if cancerous cells appear in your skin, the lesion can be caught and treated early. You should also seek a skin cancer check if you have examined your skin at home and noticed a concerning spot or lesion. This may include moles, pimples, rashes, freckles, or spots that are irregular, blotchy, uneven, or that change over time. Getting your skin checked will help establish whether an unusual spot you have found is malignant and requires treatment.
Additionally, skin cancer is not always visible to the human eye. Getting a proper skin cancer check from a trained professional will ensure that any cancer is caught and treated quickly.
Who should have a professional skin cancer check
You should aim to get a skin cancer check at least once a year, or more frequently if needed. Frequent screenings will help ensure that if cancerous cells appear in your skin, the lesion can be caught and treated early. You should also seek a skin cancer check if you have examined your skin at home and noticed a concerning spot or lesion. This may include moles, pimples, rashes, freckles, or spots that are irregular, blotchy, uneven, or that change over time. Getting your skin checked will help establish whether an unusual spot you have found is malignant and requires treatment.
Additionally, skin cancer is not always visible to the human eye. Getting a proper skin cancer check from a trained professional will ensure that any cancer is caught and treated quickly.
What happens during a skin cancer check
Diagnosing skin cancer is the first step towards finding an appropriate treatment. At Star Medical, our skin screenings are performed by skilled medical professionals who are trained in spotting unusual or concerning lesions on the skin.
On the day of your skin cancer check, we may require you to put on a gown. You should avoid wearing makeup, jewelery, and anything else that covers or obscures the skin, since this will help ease the process. If you have any moles or prominent spots on your body, you should bring these up with your clinician beforehand. Once we have all the necessary information, your clinician will use specialised equipment to examine your skin for any spots that have an odd shape, size, or colour. For most people, the process takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Book your skin cancer check at Star Medical
Checking your own skin for any unusual or changing spots is important. However, the benefits of a trained eye and professional techniques will give you more assurance that any malignant spots do not go unnoticed. Therefore if you are seeking a skin cancer check, it is necessary to seek qualified professionals such as our team at Star Medical in Sydney to perform the screening. Contact the clinic, and we will offer guidance and care throughout the process and answer any questions you may have about your skin cancer check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of skin cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and often takes the form of an irregular mole.
Why are skin cancer checks important?
Freckles, moles, and other lesions are a common result of sun exposure, and a lifetime of sun exposure can begin to take its toll on the skin. Skin lesions can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and it’s important to have any malignant spots treated as early as possible. This is because the earlier a cancerous lesion is found, the more likely it is to be treated effectively.
What happens if a skin lesion is found?
If a medical professional identifies a concerning lesion on your skin, a biopsy is generally required. In order to obtain a sample, your clinician may apply a numbing agent and scrape of some of the lesion for further examination. When the results of your biopsy are ready, they will reveal whether the lesion contains cancerous cells. Then, depending on the results, we may need to remove the lesion.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Although there is no concrete way to prevent skin cancer, you can reduce your likelihood by being aware of how much time you spend in the sun. You should try to limit your sun exposure, avoid tanning beds, and always use a high SPF sunscreen when going outside.
