Important Things You Need to Know About Skin Cancer

Australia has quite a number of skin cancer cases, and it is crucial to know some important things to be safe. These things range from knowing who is at risk to the behaviours or conditions that may lead to skin cancer. Keep this in mind and be safe.

Who Is at Risk of Skin Cancer?

Everyone is at risk of getting skin cancer, but there are individuals who are at more risk. If you fall under the following categories, you need to be more cautious and protect yourself: Do you have fair skin or does your skin burn easily? Is your skin prone to freckles? Do you use solariums frequently? Do you work in the sun for long hours? Do you get sunburned frequently? Do you notice frequent moles on your skin? Is your immune system weak because you are ill or are taking some medication? Is there a history of cancer in your family?

What Are the Sources of Skin Cancer?

There is a natural cause and an artificial cause. The natural cause of skin cancer is UV radiation from the sun. If you are exposed to the sun for long hours without any form of protection for your skin, you may be risking sunburn and damage to your skin cells, which causes skin cancer.

The use of solariums or UV tanning beds is an artificial source of skin cancer. It produces UV radiation as well. The use of these sunbeds has been banned in Australia after seeing their adverse effects.

Detection of Skin Cancer

Individuals are advised to inspect their skin from time to time, as this is the quickest way to tell if you have skin cancer symptoms. You should look for sores that are not healing, spots that bleed, spots that change in shape, texture, colour or size and spots that do not look like other spots on your skin.

At times, you might have a false alarm, but better a false alarm than not getting to the clinic on time. If you note any of the above, visit a skin check clinic for the doctor to rule cancer out.

What Should You Do to Prevent Skin Cancer?

The first thing to do is protect yourself from too much sun. Use sunscreen, sunglasses and hats and cover your skin with light clothing if it is too hot. You are also advised to avoid tanning, especially in those UV tanning beds.

The second thing to do is to perform a skin cancer check regularly once or twice a month.

It is also important to visit a dermatologist. You will get to learn about your type of skin and how to take care of it.