How to Check for Skin Cancer

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer worldwide, followed by New Zealand. Approximately two out of three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. That’s why every Aussie must protect their skin from the sun’s UV rays to prevent skin cancer from developing. Further, it’s essential to get familiar with your skin. You must learn how to monitor your skin regularly for any changes and always see a doctor if changes occur.

Why Is It Important To Check For Skin Cancer?

Checking your skin is important because early skin cancer detection, including melanoma detection, significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. The most lethal type of skin cancer is melanoma, but even melanoma can be treated with less invasive procedures if caught early. Early detection can also prevent any skin cancer from progressing to more dangerous stages, reducing the risk of severe illness or death.

How Often Should Moles Be Checked For Cancer?

Currently, there are no guidelines on how often we should have our skin checked for skin cancer. According to the Cancer Council, you should regularly monitor your skin by self-examination and visit your doctor if you notice any changes or new suspicious spots. Your doctor can then refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Individuals with fair skin should have their skin checked more often. To determine how regularly you should have your moles checked, speak to your doctor.

How To Do A Self-Examination

Staying out of the sun and protecting yourself from UV rays is the best defence against skin cancer. However, regularly performing self-examination is also critical. Remember, all  skin cancers can be treated successfully if found early. And most melanomas (the most serious form of skin cancer) are found by the person with the melanoma or their partner.

Here’s what you need to do.

Choose a room with plenty of light and take off all your clothing. Using a full-length mirror, check your whole body. Alternatively, you can use a hand-held mirror to check areas difficult to see or get a loved one to help you.

Remember to also check the areas of your body that haven’t been exposed to the sun or are hard to see, such as your scalp, back of the neck, between fingers and toes—and even underneath fingernails. If you notice a new spot or a spot that has changed shape, see your doctor.

How To Tell If A Spot May Be Cancerous

The only way to truly tell if a spot may be cancerous is to get an appropriately trained medical practitioner to examine it. However, when you check your skin at home, you can look out for the following signs:

• An itchy, bleeding sore
• A sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
• A spot that has changed shape, size, texture or colour
• A spot that feels and looks different from other spots on your skin

What are the common types of skin cancers?

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Melanoma

Each skin cancer has its unique characteristics which would allow a skilled healthcare provider to diagnose the problem, or at least have some suspicion about the issue to warrant further investigation. This would include performing a simple biopsy and/or referring onto a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Whilst all skin cancers need treatment, the most aggressive and concerning is the melanoma. The easiest way to check for melanoma at home is to remember ‘A, B, C, D, E’.

• ASYMMETRY: Moles are symmetrical or uniform in shape, whereas melanomas may have an asymmetrical shape.

• BORDERS: Moles typically have an even, well-defined border separating them from the surrounding skin. They can be raised or flat. However, melanomas have an irregular or poorly defined border that blends into the surrounding skin. A melanoma border may be blurred, notched or uneven.

• COLOURING: Moles are usually one colour, such as brown, black or skin coloured. Melanomas can have an unusual colouring or variation in colour.
• DIAMETER: Moles are typically small (under 6 mm). They are considered harmless unless they change their size or appearance over time.
• EVOLUTION: Moles typically stay the same size, shape, texture and colour. Alternatively, melanomas can change in appearance over time. For example, a mole or spot may grow larger, change colour or shape, become raised or bumpy, or develop new symptoms such as itching, crusting or bleeding. An appropriately qualified medical professional should examine any such changes.

At the end of the day, every person need to be self aware and health conscious. Regular and routine skin (and body) surveillance is always required. If you notice anything that changes, or wasn’t there before, then you need to get that reviewed by a doctor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I perform a self-examination and not see a doctor?

No. Self-examination for skin cancer and melanoma is an excellent way to detect problems early, but it doesn’t replace an examination by a properly trained doctor.

What should I do if I notice a suspicious mole or lesion?

If you notice a suspicious mole or lesion you think may be cancerous, don’t wait; see your doctor.

Who is at higher risk of developing skin cancer?

While anyone can get skin cancer, individuals with specific characteristics are more at risk:

• Certain hereditary factors – including fair skin, sun-sensitive skin, a tendency to freckle, light-coloured eyes and red or blonde hair.
• Personal or family history of skin cancer – if you or your family members have had skin cancer, you are at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
• Having numerous moles in freckles – particularly many atypically shaped moles.
• Age – melanoma is more common in adults than younger people. (However, skin cancer can occur in young people, and although rare, melanoma is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer death for young Australians.)
• A history of sunburns or tanning

References

Cancer Council: Checking for skin cancer: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/screening/checking-for-skin-cancer/

healthdirect: Should I be checked for skin cancer? https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/should-I-be-checked-for-skin-cancer