As the weather warms up this weekend, the Skin Cancer College Australasia is reminding Australians, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to take precautions to avoid skin damage.
Skin Cancer College Australasia (SCCA) chief executive Lynette Hunt said that while sun protection is the first step, early detection is the next best defence against skin cancer.
“Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable,” she said.
“Yet Australia still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer – and the highest rate of melanoma – in the world.
“On this first day of summer, we encourage people to ‘SCAN’ their skin, follow up monthly, and promptly see their doctor if something is new or changed.
“SCAN means to look for a spot, mole or patch that’s SORE (scaly, itchy, bleeding or tender and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks); CHANGING (size, shape, colour or texture); ABNORMAL (looks or feels different or stands out when compared to your other spots and moles); or NEW (recently appeared on your skin, especially if you’re over 40).”
SCCA advises people to use a mirror to check difficult spots like the back and scalp or ask someone to check for them.
