With summer in full swing, it's time to consider your yearly Skin Check.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Over 11,500 people are treated for melanomas in Australia each year. Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their life.
The good news is it can be prevented. Most skin cancers can be treated if they are detected early. It is recommended that you have a professional skin check every 12 months.
Labrador Park Medical offers comprehensive skin checks & early preventive treatment.
The doctor will examine your skin using good lighting & a magnification device and will assist you in ruling out any skin changes, who will then carry out any further treatment by discussing the best option with you.
Book today by calling (07) 5537 3300 or Book ONLINE
Or
Ask your regular doctor about skin checks.
FACTS ABOUT SKIN CANCERS IN AUSTRALIA
WHY ARE AUSTRALIANS AFFECTED?
Majority of Australia's population possesses fair skin. The migrated population come from countries with less sunny climates and therefore don't have pigmented skin to protect them against the harsh UV radiation from the sun. The lack of protective pigmentation on their skin leaves the skin cells to be vulnerable to the DNA-damaging ray from the sun. While the melanin in the skin provides protection against the damage caused by exposure to UV radiations, it's not the ultimate protection against preventing skin lesions and skin cancers.
Australia is also closer to the equator which gets the greatest amount of sun. Earth is also closer to the sun in January, due to the position of earth in the elliptical orbit, which happens to be the peak month of summer.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET THE SKIN CHECK & HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT FROM A YEARLY CHECK??
Skin cancer being one of Australia's most common cancers implies that everyone is at risk of excessive UV radiation exposure. The most common forms of skin cancers are cutaneous malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) & basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Most of these cancers are aggressive and progress very quickly. This is where early detection helps to control any spread and cure the lesions. The doctors would usually examine all exposed skin and also take into account your frequency of sun exposure. Early detection is the key to prevention of any skin lesions.
Setting up yearly checks will help you avoid any near misses and help you be more aware of your own skin health. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for BCC and SCC is about 95 percent. When melanoma is detected before it spreads, it has a high cure rate.
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