Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it becomes even more concerning if it goes undiagnosed. While protecting oneself from the harsh UV ray is essential in reducing risks of skin cancer, it can be treated if diagnosed in its early stages.
Understanding signs and symptoms earlier with the help of an Australian skin cancer clinic can help you determine whether the spot on your skin is usual or not.
What causes skin cancer?
Several major risk factors come to play in causing skin cancer in patients. Below are a few of them:
Using tanning beds
Since indoor tanning beds emit more UV radiation than the sun itself, directly using them increases this type of cancer.
Genetics
Some patients are more genetically prone to get affected by this disease. People with fair skin and red hair are at greater risk of developing non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you will have a higher chance of developing skin cancer.
Exposure to the sun
Each time a person gets sunburn, the skin gets damaged on a genetic level. The damage increases during a person’s lifespan, eventually causing this severe condition.
Conducting frequent skin self-examinations
Conducting skin self-examinations will help you detect the condition early. We recommend checking your skin for signs like bleeding no more than once a month. While checking your skin for signs of skin cancer (melanoma), be sure to notice one of the following indicators:
Asymmetry
If it is a regular mole, it will be an asymmetrical one. On the other hand, melanomas moles often lack symmetry.
Borders
If you notice any jagged or irregular edges, be sure to have them checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Colour
A mole with multiple colours could be a sign of skin cancer. If you notice so, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
Diameter
If a mole is more prominent than about 5 mm, you should have it checked by a doctor. However, melanomas can start much smaller than 5 mm. So never wait for an irregular mole to grow larger before examining it by a doctor.
Evolution
Any mole changing in appearance must be examined as soon as you notice the same.
The key takeaway
Skin cancers often occur when skin cells start growing abnormally, usually from too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Anyone can develop skin cancer; however, it is more prevalent in older people and individuals with family history. You may want to conduct a biopsy test to confirm the disease. Skin cancer can be treated in several ways depending on the mole type, size or location. Most melanomas can be treated successfully, provided you have found the signs early.
At Drayton Medical Centre, our team of highly experienced medical service providers will help you detect skin cancer through spot checks, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.