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Do I need a Skin Check?

Consider your own risk

Skin
Close-Up Portrait

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer in Aus

Factors that are associated with a higher risk of developing melanoma include:

  • a fair complexion (including fair skin that burns or freckles easily, blue or green eyes, and blonde or red hair)

  • exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) energy (e.g. tanning beds)

  • a history of sunburns that caused blistering, especially in childhood

  • having some large moles, many small moles, or moles that look different from normal moles

  • a family history of unusual moles or melanoma

  • a personal history of skin cancer, including melanoma

  • age – about half the people who develop melanoma are older than 50

  • sex of the patient – in Australia and New Zealand, melanoma is more common in men than in women.

Other Factors to consider

  • Xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare genetic condition that prevents the skin from repairing itself from UV damage

  • other genetic skin conditions such as Gorlin Syndrome

  • exposure to certain environmental factors, including radiation, and some chemicals (e.g. solvents)

  • a weakened immune system from disease or side effects of medicines

  • Spot or moles that are changing, growing, bleeding, or just don't seem right

  • 70% of Australians older than 70 years of age will have had at least 1 skin cancer

If any of the above applies to you, consider booking in for a regular full body skin cancer check. 

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