Skin Cancer Clinic Gold Coast
In Australia, every year skin cancers account for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
Skin cancer occurs & can be caught at our skin cancer clinic Gold Coast. When skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Between 95 and 99% of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to the sun
“I know he thinks I am nagging when I ask him to get that mole checked, but I just don’t think he realizes how devastated we would be without him.”
Skin cancer facts and figures:
In Australia, every year skin cancers account for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.
GPs in Australia have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer.
more than 10,300 people are treated for melanoma, with 1279 people dying in 2007 alone.
melanoma is the most common cancer in people aged 15-44 years.
melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in both women and men.
Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world
the five-year relative survival rate for melanoma is 90% for Australian men and 95% for Australian women.
Types of Skin cancer:
There are three main types of skin cancer.
melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer
basal cell carcinoma*
squamous cell carcinoma*
*Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer.
Early detection:
The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in
the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
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 blue-black in colour).
If you notice any changes consult your doctor.Your doctor may perform a biopsy (remove a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope) or refer you to a specialist if he/she suspects a skin cancer.
