Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, afflicting perhaps two-thirds of white-skinned New Zealanders. Skin cancer is the easiest cancer to cure, if diagnosed and treated early. However, it can be aggressive and far too many New Zealanders die or are left severely disfigured each year. It is a good idea to make a professional appointment to check your skin every year, but self-examination is also vital. Don’t ignore changes that you notice and seek treatment and professional advice as soon as you are concerned.
Like most cancers, the earlier you detect skin cancer, the simpler the treatment. Because skin cancer is on the outside of your body it is the easiest cancer to see.
Who should do skin self-examination?
Everyone! Ask your doctor or dermatologist to give you tips. Make sure you examine your skin regularly enough for it to become second nature, for example at the change of season. Teach your children how to, from an early age. With yearly skin examinations by your doctor or dermatologist, self-examinations are the best way to ensure that you won't become a statistic in the battle against skin cancer. Self examination should take about 10 minutes.
Professional examinations
In many areas of New Zealand, sophisticated photographic screening systems have been established. These systems take digital photographs of your entire body. They also take close-ups if there are any immediate lesions of concern. An expert dermatologist then reviews the images. Serial photographs at intervals can reveal subtle changes that may indicate the development of melanoma within the lesion.
Photographic screening is generally performed annually.
What to look for
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
Because each has many different appearances, it is important to know the early warning signs. Look for change of any kind. Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless, but dangerous all the same. If you notice one or more of the warning signs listed below, see a doctor right away.
The warning signs
- A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan brown, black or multi-coloured.
- A mole, birthmark, beauty mark or any brown spot that changes colour, increases in size or thickness, changes in texture, is irregular in outline or is bigger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser).
- A spot or sore that itches or hurts, crusts or scabs, ulcerates or bleeds, or fails to heal within three weeks.
What to look at
Start at your head and end at your feet, and include your scalp, face, neck, beneath any facial hair and your trunk. On the upper part of the body, also examine your armpits, hands, finger webs and nail beds.
Use a mirror to examine your back and skin between the buttocks.
On your lower body, include toe webs, toe nail beds and soles of the feet. If your are in doubt about any mark, check it out.
Even though skin cancer is the most common cancer, it is also the most curable. Keep your eyes open for any changes and take a few sensible precautions. Avoid sunburn, wear sunscreen, keep out of the midday sun, cover with loose clothing in warm weather and remember your hat!