Skin Check
Protection and early detection for defence against skin cancer.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Sun exposure has been identified as the cause of around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanoma in Australia. Unfortunately two out of every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.
Protect your skin from the sun to reduce your risk of skin cancer. When outdoors, protect yourself with appropriate clothing, hat and sunglasses. Seek out shade and apply sunscreen, frequently. We encourage everyone to make sun safety practices a priority and actively look for changes to any moles.
The best form of treatment for skin cancer is early detection. Yet most of us wouldn’t know how to spot a skin cancer. Check yourself, check your family and see a doctor if there are any concerns.
A simple skin check may help save your life, the main warning signs to look for the ABCDE’s:
ASYMMETRY
Does your mole have an asymmetrical shape?
BORDER
Does your mole have an irregluar shape?
COLOUR
Does your mole have two or more colours?
DIAMETER
Is your mole larger than 5mm?
EVOLUTION
Has your mole changed, size, colour or shape?
