With summer in full swing, there is no more appropriate time to take care of the largest organ in your body – your skin! More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. About 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC); squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and; melanoma.
The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
It’s important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so that you notice any changes. Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt. At DCMC we are happy to have doctors that specialise in comprehensive skin checks, and minor skin surgery. We also use the latest skin photography programs to track lesions of concern. Please call our friendly staff and make an appointment with either Dr Sheheli, Dr Essey, Dr Li or Dr Medon.
