There are quite a few reasons why it’s important to get suspicious moles checked by a skin cancer doctor. Firstly, the sheer data available on the incidences of skin cancer in Australia is overwhelming. All Australians need to be mindful of moles, especially if they’re fair-skinned, have a lot of moles, or have a family history of skin cancer. Secondly, early treatment can make a big difference. Once you’ve had your body inspected by a skin cancer doctor, you can have peace of mind that you’ve done everything necessary to protect yourself.
Early Treatment
You can do a lot to prevent skin cancer by staying out of the sun and using sunscreen daily, but perhaps the biggest difference you can make is checking your moles at home. When you find a suspicious mole that may have changed its shape, colour or texture, don’t hesitate to get it checked by a skin cancer doctor. Finding a skin cancer early dramatically improves a patient’s prognosis. So if you have lots of moles, it’s a good idea to do your own self check at home and then visit a skin cancer doctor to verify the status of any suspicious moles.
Family History
The likelihood of you getting skin cancer has to do with your genetic makeup and whether you were born with many moles. If there are members of your family who have had skin cancer in the past, then you need to be even more careful and pay attention to the moles on your body and whether they’re changing over time. If you find something that you’re not sure about, it’s best to make an appointment with a skin cancer doctor so they can rule out skin cancer. It’s always best to treat these things early for the most favourable outcome.
The Stats
It’s a simple fact that Australia boasts one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. This means that the statistics aren’t on your side. Skin cancer can affect people at all stages of life, and at any age. More than 60% of people in Australia will be diagnosed with skin cancer while under the age of 70, and over 2000 Australians die of skin cancer annually. Every day, 2500 treatments occur for skin cancer in Australia. These statistics are frightening, and that’s just one good reason why getting suspicious moles checked by a skin cancer doctor is vital.
Peace of Mind
If you have a mole that’s questionable on your body, it’s likely that some part of your mind is worrying about it constantly. But when you get your moles inspected by a skin cancer doctor, they can tell you irrefutably whether there’s anything to worry about. In most cases it will be nothing, and if there is any concern, addressing it promptly will lead to the best outcome. No matter how trifling the mole might seem, don’t take the risk or put it off any longer. See a skin cancer doctor as soon as possible.