The Importance of Skin Checks During the Australian Summer

As the Australian summer intensifies, many of us embrace the outdoors, soaking up the sunshine. However, the harsh Australian sun comes with increased risks—particularly skin cancer, the most prevalent cancer in the country. Regular skin checks are a key step in early detection and prevention, helping to safeguard your health.

Why Regular Skin Checks Are Essential

🔹 Early Detection Saves Lives
Melanoma and other types of skin cancer can be life-threatening if left untreated. Routine skin checks—both self-examinations and professional assessments—enable the early identification of suspicious changes, significantly improving treatment success rates.

🔹 Keeping Track of Changes
Moles and skin lesions can evolve over time. Regular monitoring helps you detect new or altered spots, ensuring that changes in size, shape, color, or texture are addressed promptly by a medical professional.

🔹 Proactive Prevention
Establishing a baseline for your skin’s appearance allows you and your healthcare provider to track abnormalities over time. Dermatologists can also provide tailored advice on sun safety and overall skin health.

How to Perform a Self-Skin Check

✔ Check Your Skin Monthly
Dedicate time each month to examine your entire body, using mirrors to inspect hard-to-see areas such as your back and the backs of your legs.

✔ Follow the ABCDE Rule
Look for:

• Asymmetry – One half of a mole differs from the other.

• Border – Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges.

• Colour – Uneven shades or multiple colors in one mole.

• Diameter – Spots larger than a pencil eraser.

• Evolving – Changes in size, shape, or color over time.

✔ Consult a Professional
If you notice any unusual changes or are unsure about a spot, book an appointment with a dermatologist for a thorough assessment and, if necessary, further testing.

Sun Safety Tips

☀ Apply Sunscreen Regularly – Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

🌳 Seek Shade – Limit sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.

👒 Wear Protective Clothing – Opt for wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for added protection.

With Australia’s high UV radiation levels, sun safety and regular skin checks should be a priority. By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you can enjoy the summer while keeping your skin healthy and protected. Stay sun-smart and take proactive steps to reduce your risk of skin cancer—because prevention is always better than cure.