Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime, according to research. Fortunately, early skin check Melbourne makes skin cancer highly treatable when caught early on. By doing regular skin checks and being aware of any new or changing spots on your body, you can keep yourself safe from this disease. Here are seven reasons you need to do skin checks to prevent yourself from developing skin cancer.
Reversing Sun Damage Starts With Skin Checks
Doctors advise going in for a skin check every few months, but did you know that it’s equally important to check what damage your skin has already sustained? If you avoid exposure or wear sunscreen, skin checks can tell you if everything is OK. Using a special light (basically a magnifying glass), your doctor will scan different areas of your skin to look for things like moles, age spots and other signs of sun damage or other issues. Besides spotting possible problems, your dermatologist can provide valuable advice about how best to protect yourself and help slow down sun damage in general.
UV Damage And Aging
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing damage over time that is less visible but more harmful than sunburns. The most harmful UV radiation comes through windows (and even clouds), so be sure to get outside every day for at least 15 minutes (with your sunscreen). However, it would help if you also aimed for daily time spent in front of a mirror, doing regular skin checks. By monitoring moles and suspicious spots, you can catch melanoma early and stop it from spreading or turning deadly. Experts recommend checking your body every month—but since some areas are harder to see than others, consider weekly self-checks of places like your back and feet and daily face checks.
Actinic Keratosis
Cancer isn’t typically associated with aging, and most people assume it only affects younger adults. While it is true that cancer can occur at any age, an older person’s immune system is often not strong enough to keep up with most cancers. This means they are far more likely to develop skin cancer than a younger person. More and more frequently, people over 50 are getting diagnosed with skin cancer such as actinic keratosis because of sun damage. Actinic keratosis occurs when your cells become abnormal and spread throughout your body. Cancerous actinic keratosis cells have been known to spread quickly, even within weeks of detection.
Melanoma
You must watch for changes in your skin because it’s important to catch skin cancer before it becomes life-threatening. Take a look at your skin and get used to what healthy skin looks like. If you notice changes, such as an unfamiliar mole or an unexplained patch of redness or irritation, make an appointment with a dermatologist. It can save your life! Early detection is key for melanoma, so don’t forget to book regular visits to have your doctor examine moles and other skin irregularities—even if you have no history of melanoma in your family.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 75% of melanomas (the deadliest form of skin cancer) can be traced back to an accumulation of UV rays. The most dangerous time for your skin is during childhood when up to 80% of damage occurs before adulthood. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma also has strong ties with UV rays. These are non-melanoma types that affect many people every year. Most occurrences show up on areas where sunlight is strongest—such as your face, ears, lips, bald spot, or anywhere else on your body you commonly wear a hat or sunglasses. If you notice these signs, don’t wait! Make an appointment with your dermatologist immediately— Basal Cell Carcinoma is highly treatable if caught early enough.
