Skin Cancers

Australia has the one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and 1 in every 2 Australians can expect to have at least one skin cancer in their lifetime.

Skin cancers account for 80% of all new cancers diagnosed in Australia each year, and Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.  In fact, deaths from skin cancer per year in Australia is about the same as the national road toll, approximately 1,500.

Myth

"Skin cancers don't kill people"

Fact

Over 1300 Australians die each year from skin cancer

Myth

"Only old people get skin cancers"

Fact

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in those aged between 15-24 years.

There are a number of things that everybody can do to minimize their lifetime risk of skin cancer, such as;

• seeking shade whenever possible
• wearing protective clothing that cover as much of the body as possible, particularly the arms and leg
• wearing a hat that shades the face and neck
• wearing wrap-around sunglasses
• using SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen which is reapplied at least every 2 hours.
• avoiding sun tanning and Solariums.
• keeping an eye on your moles for changes in colour, size, and shape.

Another important part of skin cancer prevention is to get your skin checked regularly by a doctor who has been trained in skin cancer detection and treatment.

Here at the Melbourne Cosmetic Group, Dr Shaun Hunt, has over 20 years’ experience in skin cancer detection and management, and uses the latest techniques and equipment to help him.  Molemax digital imaging of suspicious moles using specialised software is available, which enables a comparison at a later date.

So if you are worried about any spots on your skin, don’t delay!

Make an appointment to see us now.............................it could save your life!

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)		Solar (Actinic) Keratoses