How can you check for skin cancer

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  1. How can you check for skin cancer
Throughout the year, and especially during January, February and March our focus is on early detection of skin cancer. As we know Townsville and North Queensland has a high incidence of skin cancer so sun protection (ideally from birth) is the most important part of prevention. Most skin cancers are curable if detected early enough. There are three main types of skin cancer:
  • basal cell carcinoma
  • squamous cell carcinoma
  • melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer

Spot check time!

More than 750,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia each year, and a further 12,000 are diagnosed with melanoma. How can you check for skin cancer is to become familiar with the look of your skin, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for:
  • any crusty, non-healing sores
  • small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
  • new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blueblack in colour).
How can you check for skin cancer If you are concerned about that spot or mole, we encourage you to make an appointment for a complete skin check ASAP.