Every year, Australia sees many newly diagnosed cancer cases; around 80 percent of them are skin cancers. Australia currently has the highest rate of diagnosed skin cancers compared to any other country worldwide.
Because of this, many refer to skin cancer as “Australia’s National Cancer”, with two in three Australians being diagnosed with the disease before they reach 70 years old, according to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health.
When you identify skin cancer early, you have a better chance of avoiding serious malignancies, surgery, possible disfigurement, and even death. It is, therefore, vital for you to monthly self-check for any signs of skin cancer.
MoleMap recommends having your skin checked by your doctor, dermatologist or MoleMap melanographer, each year and conducting a self check every three months in between annual appointments. Here’s how:
Follow these 5 main steps to self-examine your skin.
1. Recognise the types of skin cancer.
2. Know your ABCDEF and G’s.
3. Perform a monthly skin self-check.
4. Note anything that is concerning or changing.
5. Show your doctor or MoleMap melanographer if you have spots or moles of concern.
Here are each of these steps in detail.