SCREENING YOUR SKIN

When it comes to skin cancer, good habits (a skincare routine, the regular use of sunscreen) are important, but so are proper skin audits. You should do a monthly self exam, a perfectly adequate preventative measure once you are not at high risk.

However, if genetics, lifestyle, age or previous health conditions predispose you to skin cancer, it’s a good idea to book a screening with one of our dermatologists every six months to a year.

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the strains of skin cancer identified in this Mayo Clinic report, are typically not as critical as melanomas, but they’re significantly more common and can present in various ways (scaly, bumpy, or waxy), so it’s best to be sure. As with all other cancers, early detection puts you in a better position regarding removal and/or treatment.

When we want to see you

·       Your skin falls under Types I or II on the Fitzpatrick scale

·       You have a family history of skin cancer or have suffered from it yourself

·       You tend to have a lot of moles and/or notice changes in spots on your skin (irritation, itching or bleeding)

·       You burn easily when outdoors

·       Your job and/or hobbies expose you to an inordinate amount of UV rays

·       You are immunocompromised or undergoing serious medical treatment like chemotherapy or dialysis

How to self-check

At least once a month, follow the ABCDE rule…

A simple way to check for possible signs of skin cancer.

If there are any positive responses on your ABCDE checklist, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with us. At least half of all cancerous skin conditions are first noticed by patients, so your first line of defence is self examination. When caught early, treatment usually involves non-invasive therapies like topical chemotherapy creams and liquid nitrogen, or simple, in-office surgical procedures.