Protect your skin this Spring

With skin cancer rates on the rise in Australia, it is becoming more important for people to be mindful of protecting their skin when outdoors and to have their skin checked regularly.

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of skin cancer, living in a society where it is common to spend a lot of time outdoors. Dr Sahar Shirkhanloo, from the Sun Patrol Skin Cancer Clinic in Officer, stresses the importance of protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, and shares with us her top tips on how to do so.

The UV index is a useful tool designed to make people aware of UV levels each day, and as such raising their awareness of the importance of protecting themselves depending on how dangerous the levels are on a given day. UV levels can still be risky when it is overcast or cold, so the weather forecast is not an accurate tool to measure by.

One of the easiest ways to keep up to date on the UV index levels in your area is to download the free Cancer Council Australia SunSmart app. The app gives specific location based information about UV levels, and what times you are most at risk of sun damage in your area. It also gives super handy reminders on when to reapply your sunscreen.

Early detection of skin cancer is so important, as treatment procedures often become more invasive by the time symptoms appear.

Waiting until you notice abnormalities is not worth the risk. Melanoma can spread to other organs in the body, depending on which stage it has progressed to.

Dermal imaging is a non-invasive procedure that aims to identify suspicious spots before they spread.

To make an appointment with Dr. Sahar Shirkhanloo or Dr Michael Safaie at the new Sun Patrol Skin Cancer Clinic, located at Arena Shopping Centre, 26/4 Cardinia, Road, Officer, call 1300 786 728 or 1300SUNPATROL.