The importance of skin checks
Every year in Australia, skin cancers account for around 80 per cent (%) of all newly diagnosed cancers. Regular skin checks can detect early signs of skin cancer. Professionals can also inform you about how to detect abnormalities on your own skin while you’re undergoing a check-up.
Here are three reasons the home doctor experts at House Call Doctor say you should get your skin checked.
- Dermatologists will check hidden areas
Between the toes, inside and behind the ears, behind your fingernails, and the backs of the legs are just a few common places skin cancers can appear. A dermatologist with a trained eye will know exactly where to search for abnormal marks on your skin and can clearly identify their potential risk.
- Learn about your own skin
Regular skin checks will inform you about what is normal on your skin and what is not. This can help you identify if anything new appears or any changes in appearance of existing moles, freckles and other spots. Knowing your family history can help indicate if you are more susceptible to a specific type of skin cancer.
- Spot signs of sun damage
Regular skin checks give you a good chance of spotting the signs of sun damage before they become serious. It is important to know that skin cancers can appear on parts of the body which are not exposed to the sun, so a trained dermatologist can inform you about what to look out for.
Where can you get a skin check?
- Your local GP can perform a skin check
- Skin cancer clinics
- Your doctor can refer you to a dermatologist for a second opinion or treatment.
