When someone as young, fit and healthy as Hawks star Jarryd Roughead gets diagnosed with skin cancer, it raises more than a few questions.
Recently, Carofy Health have received plenty of queries about skin cancer, how to check for it and what to do if you find a suspicious spot.
Here are their answers to six of the most commonly asked questions.
1. Who is at risk of skin cancer?
A staggering two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, which is why it is so important that we learn about skin cancer and sun protection.
The major cause of skin cancer is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The more exposure you have over your lifetime, the greater your risk of cancer. Working outdoors will increase your skin cancer risk, as will a history of severe sunburns and tanning.
Having a history of skin cancer in your family, a large number of moles, fair skin or red hair may also make you more susceptible to developing skin cancer.
Most people diagnosed with skin cancer are over the age of 45, with twice as many men in this age group dying from the disease than women the same age. However, melanoma is also by far the most common cancer diagnosed among 15-29 year olds. No one is immune.
2. What’s the best way to check for skin cancer?
Skin cancer can develop very quickly, so it’s important not to rely on an annual skin check or other screening program as your detection method.
Instead, regularly check your skin, including those areas you rarely expose to the sun. Make sure you have good lighting and ask someone (or use mirrors) to check those areas of your skin that you can’t see.
By getting to know what looks normal for you, you’ll quickly notice if a spot changes or a new spot appears.
3. If I’ve had skin cancer, is it worth bothering with sun protection?
Here’s the good news – it’s never too late to increase your sun protection and cut your cancer risk! By protecting your skin during peak UV times, you will reduce your risk of future skin cancers at any age, whether you are 16 or 60.
If you pick up anything unusual on your skin, it’s important to get it looked at as soon as you can for peace of mind. The earlier skin cancer is found, the more successful the treatment is likely to be.
It’s best to see your doctor in the first instance. Your doctor will check your skin and provide you with advice on the most appropriate next steps. They may even remove the spot or take a small sample for testing.
