Skin Cancer Action Week: November 15 to 21
Each year Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists come together for National Skin Cancer Action Week.
Dr Sahar Shirkhanloo from The Central Clinic is helping raise awareness by letting us look at skin cancer at a glance.
There are three main types of skin cancers, Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
More than 90% of cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation to the sun.
People with light skin and with poor immune function are at higher risk of developing skin cancer. As well as people who use tanning beds, due to the source of ultraviolet radiation, and who smoke tobacco are also at a higher risk.
But what can we do about it? First of all knowing the signs and symptoms can lead to an early diagnosis and more effective treatment. The most common symptoms are changes in colour, size, border and shape of skin lesions.
These include changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcerating in the skin, getting itchy, scabby, raised skin lesion and bleeding.
The best way to make sure the skin lesion has not changed to skin cancer is having a review by a doctor.
What can be done to prevent skin cancer? To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer you need to wear sun screen, avoid sun burning, wear protective clothing, sun glasses and hats.
Other ways are to avoid midday sun exposure, avoid use of tobacco products and having regular full skin check-ups by a doctor.
What can be done for skin cancer? Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, location of affected area and age of the patient. Surgical excision is the most common form of treatment for skin cancers. When skin defects are small in size most can be repaired with simple excision when skin edges are closed with sutures. For low risk skin cancers radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy and cryotherapy (freezing) can provide adequate control of the disease. All of them however may have lower overall cure rate than certain types of surgery.
Now is a great time to have a skin check-up before summer. Come in and see Dr. Sahar Shirkhanloo and the team at Central Clinic Warragul or Drouin, or call 5622 3377 or 5625 5044.