The Complete Guide to Full Skin Checks and Self-Examinations

Even as we head towards the winter months, it’s extremely important to realise the risk of skin cancer and the importance of skin checks in Australia. It may come as no surprise, but Queensland in particular remains the skin cancer capital of the world – with an estimated 71 cases per 100,000 people of invasive early-stage melanoma.

While melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, other types — including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — are more common and can also cause significant harm. Research has indicated that a substantial proportion of Queenslanders over the age of 20 have required surgical treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers. With 30+ years since the start of the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign we are certainly making improvements, but it’s very important to check yourself and to stay vigilant.

Australians love to enjoy the sun, but sun protection is always paramount.

The Cancer Council now promotes the 5 S’s of sun protection: Slip on a shirt; Slop on sunscreen; Slap on a hat; Seek shade where possible and; Slide on sunglasses.

Reapplying sunscreen with SPF 50+ is key when going out for long periods of time, but many other skin products now incorporate some SPF for daily use. When choosing these products it is important to use one that is broad spectrum; this means that it blocks both UVA and UVB radiation.

The best way to ensure early detection is to have annual skin checks by your GP and perform monthly self-checks. Despite these precautions, skin cancers can develop on any part of the skin at any time. They are more common in sun-exposed areas and increase in incidence as you age, however, they can occur in anyone of any age. The best way to ensure early detection and therefore treatment is to have annual skin checks (by a GP or dermatologist) and perform monthly skin checks. If you notice any changes it is essential to bring this to the attention of your GP.

How to perform skin checks: as easy as ABCDE

Performing regular skin checks is essential as some skin cancers can arise rapidly. To do this, you’ll usually need a full-length mirror or friend/partner to help. Remember to look all over – including scalp, ears and lips, but also places like the soles of your feet or near the nailbeds – remember, any skin can develop cancer.

When examining your skin, look for the following warning signs, known as the ABCDE criteria. These are features that should prompt you to see a doctor for further assessment:

A is for asymmetry – how irregular a mole might look. A good tip is to divide the skin lesion in half, where if one side is not the mirror image of the other it is asymmetrical.

B is for borders – a spot with spreading or irregular edges.

C is for colour – if there are several colours. It might be a sign of a cancerous mole (this could be different shades of brown but can also include red, white, grey, blue or black).

D is for diameter – a spot that is growing and changing in diameter or size.

E is for evolving — any mole or spot that is changing in size, shape, colour, or any other feature, or that develops new symptoms such as bleeding or itching.

As well as the ABCDE it is important to consider:

• A new mole or spot
• An existing mole or spot that has changes
• A dry or flaky patch that has been present for more than a month
• A sore that hasn’t healed in more than a month
• A dark spot or under a toenail or fingernail
• A spot that looks abnormal or doesn’t look right
• A mole that bleeds or is itchy

Early detection supports the best possible outcomes — which is why regular checks are recommended. Depending on the location and type of skin cancer this can either be managed by a GP, dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

So if you notice suspicious spots or it has been more than 12 months since you performed any type of skin checks

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