Key points
- Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and outdoor work adds to your sun exposure.
- Book in for any spot that is new, changing, bleeding or does not heal.
- How often you need a skin check depends on your own risk. Ask your GP.
In the Upper Hunter, plenty of people spend their working day outside, on farms and stud properties, at mine sites, on the road or on building sites. Weekends are often outdoors too. All of that sun adds up. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and UV radiation from the sun is the main cause.
What to look for
Skin cancers are generally easier to treat when they are found early, so it is worth getting to know your skin. Check your whole body, including areas that do not often see the sun, and ask someone to help with your back and scalp. Look for:
- A new spot, or one that looks different from your other spots.
- A spot that is changing in size, shape or colour.
- A sore that does not heal, or that bleeds, crusts or itches.
- A scaly or rough patch that keeps coming back.
- A lump that is raised, firm and growing.
Our guide to the ABCDE signs of melanoma explains what to look for in moles.
Who has a higher risk?
Your risk is higher if you work or play outdoors, have fair skin that burns or freckles easily, have lots of moles or unusual moles, have had skin cancer before, have a close relative who has had melanoma, or had blistering sunburns as a child. Everyone can get skin cancer, though, including people with darker skin.
What happens at a skin check
A skin check is a head-to-toe examination of your skin by a doctor. It usually involves:
- A few questions about your history, your sun exposure and any spots you are worried about.
- A look at your skin, usually down to your underwear. You can ask for a chaperone, and you can ask to skip areas you are not comfortable with.
- A closer look at some spots with a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying light.
- A plan for anything that needs attention, such as watching a spot, taking a photo to compare later, or a biopsy.
A skin check is not a guarantee that nothing will be missed, and it does not replace checking your own skin between visits.
How often should you have a skin check?
There is no single rule for everyone. How often you are checked depends on your individual risk. Your GP can talk with you about what makes sense for you.
Protect your skin at work
Use sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above, which in Australia is much of the year:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing with long sleeves and a collar.
- Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat or a hard hat with a brim and neck flap.
- Seek shade for breaks, and slide on sunglasses.
Skin checks in Aberdeen
Aberdeen Surgery offers skin cancer checks, and biopsies and minor excisions, without leaving town. GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Some procedures can attract a fee for consumables, and reception will tell you the cost first. Ask for a longer appointment when you book a skin check.
