With our scorching hot summers and love of the outdoors, it’s not surprising that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. According to the Cancer Council, over 80 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia are skin cancers, and two thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.
Regular professional skin examinations play an extremely important part in detecting and treating skin cancers early, including the most deadly of all, melanoma. So if you’ve been putting off making an appointment to get your skin checked, here are five great reasons why you should make an appointment with Terrace Central Surgery today
1. Prevention is always better than a cure
This is particularly true when it comes to your skin. Skin cancer can usually be treated if it’s caught early on, but if left undiagnosed it can be fatal. Regular professional checkups can help discover changes early on and help get issues treated before they become really threatening.
2. It’s quick and painless
A consultation will usually only take 20-30 minutes and it doesn’t hurt a bit! The doctor will examine your skin for moles, freckles and sunspots, checking the areas that are hard to inspect yourself, like your back.
3. It’s free!
All skin checks conducted by Terrace Central Surgery are bulk-billable, so your annual appointment won’t cost you a thing. We’ll even remind you when it’s time to come in for another examination.
4. We help you keep track
It’s important everyone stays on top of their skin health by keeping an eye out for any new marks or changes in colour or size of existing moles, freckles or spots. But when you live with something every day, sometimes it’s difficult to notice these changes or to even know if they are significant. Our doctors will take note of any marks that need watching and can measure any changes that might occur over time.
5. Peace of mind
We understand how important your family’s health is to you. Booking everyone in for an annual skin check appointment at the same time of year means you can rest assured you are taking one of the best precautions you can for your family. Combining professional checkups with the usual sun-smart precautions means that you can be confident you have done everything you can to protect your own skin health, as well as you family’s.
In-between appointments
Apart from regular skin checks, there is a range of steps you and your family can take to help prevent skin cancer developing.
- Whenever outdoors, remember to protect your skin with a hat, sunglasses sunscreen and sun protective clothing.
- Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, as this is the time damaging ultraviolet rays are at their strongest
- If you have to be outdoors during the hottest part of the day, make sure you stay under the shade
- Babies should stay out of the sun as much as possible, particularly in the first 12 months of their life
- Keep an eye on moles, freckles and marks on your skin. Every now and then, before you take a shower just take a couple of minutes to take a closer look at your skin and if you find anything concerning, take note and book an appointment with your regular Terrace Central Surgery doctor.