Page information and credit to Skin Cancer College Australia, SCAN Your Skin, Cancer Society NZ & Skin Cancer Foundation.
JANUARY - SKIN HEALTH MONTH
READY OR NOT - CHECK THAT SPOT!
~
READY OR NOT - CHECK THAT SPOT! ~
SKIN CANCER IN NZ
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. This includes both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Melanoma is the most serious form and can spread to other parts of the body. Non-Melanoma includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which are more common but less likely to spread.
Some of the risk factors include high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to the country's geographical location, outdoor lifestyle as well as the thinning of the ozone layer over the region. Fair-skinned people are also more susceptible to UV damage.
Skin Cancer can be prevented by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade when outdoors. Self-examinations and professional skin check for early detection can also help prevent skin cancer.
Early-stage treatment of skin cancer includes surgical removal of the affected area and more advanced stages may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other targeted therapies.
By taking preventive measures and staying vigilant, the impact of skin cancer can be significantly reduced.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
Most of us know that protecting our skin from the sun is the most important step to preventing skin cancer…
But what if your skin hasn’t always been protected?
Maybe you can’t always avoid the sun?
Or perhaps there is a history of skin cancer in your family?
Did You Know?
Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.
Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
More than 90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun.
Melanoma is the most common life threatening cancer in the 15 to 44 year age group.
Melanoma is the third most common life threatening cancer in both men & women overall.
Melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and fourth in New Zealand.
Annually there are approximately 2040 melanoma deaths in Australia and 310 in New Zealand.
Approximately 560 people in Australia and 157 in New Zealand die from other skin cancers each year.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT SKIN CANCER?
Preventing skin cancer is also about knowing your risk level. The most effective management is early detection and treatment.
It’s your doctor’s job to diagnose skin cancer, but you will know better than anyone else if something on your skin is Sore, Changing, Abnormal or New. Remember – together with sun protection, early detection is your best defence against skin cancer.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a cancer of skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocyte cells make the dark-coloured pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its colour.
Melanoma skin cancer begins when these melanocyte cells begin to grow and spread abnormally.
These cells are found in many other parts of your body, including the eye, hair, and lining of the internal organs.
Rare melanomas can occur in other parts of your body or on the skin that has never been exposed to the sun. These include:
The eye (ocular melanoma)
The mouth, gastrointestinal tract (gut), vulva, vagina, or anus (mucosal melanoma)
Under fingernails or toenails (subungual melanoma)
WHAT DOES MELANOMA LOOK LIKE?
The first signs of melanoma are usually changes in your skin. Melanoma often starts as a new spot on your skin, but a mole you already have can turn into melanoma.
Look out for changes in:
Size
A spot or mole may get bigger.
Shape
A spot or mole may have an irregular, not-smooth edge or surface.
Colour
A spot or mole may change colour such as brown, black, blue, red, pink, white and/or light grey.
Thickness
A spot may become raised over time.
What causes melanoma?
Melanoma is most commonly caused by skin cells damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
People of all ages and skin colours can get skin cancer, but those at higher risk have:
had skin cancer before
family/whānau members with skin cancer
a skin type that sunburns easily
red, blonde or light-coloured hair
many moles or larger moles
used sunbeds/tanning beds (solariums)
spent a lot of time in the sun unprotected
Tips for talking to your doctor
make a list of what you are feeling and how often it happens, including as much detail as possible
think about your family/whānau history of cancer and tell your doctor
go back to your doctor if you don't feel better, even if tests show you don't have a problem - you can ask for a second opinion if you want one
take a family/whānau member or friend with you to the appointment for support
Skin Cancer Foundation Information Sheet
CHECK YOUR SKIN
Scan your skin and look for a spot or a mole that is…
Sore
A spot which is sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding, tender) and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks.
Changing
Changing in size, shape, colour or texture.
Abnormal
Looks different, feels different, or stands out when compared to your other spots and moles
New
Has appeared on your skin recently. Any new moles or spots should be checked, especially if you are over 40.
Here is a simple guide to help you check your skin and recognise the early signs of skin cancer.
The more of the above SCAN features a spot or mole has the more concerning it may be. (e.g. a New mole that is Changing in appearance and that is Abnormal is one that should be checked by a doctor urgently.)
Most people have made all their moles by the time they are 40. A new mole after this age is more suspicious, and the older you are the more suspicious a new mole is.
If you do find a spot or mole of concern, see your doctor for either a “spot check”, or a full skin check.
Become familiar with the spots and moles on your skin. You should check your own, and/or your partner’s, skin regularly.
It’s your doctor’s job to diagnose skin cancer, but you will know better than anyone else if something on your skin is Sore, Changing, Abnormal or New.
SUNBURN
The sun in Aotearoa New Zealand has very high levels of ultraviolet (UV) light or radiation. These UV rays cause sunburn. Being sun smart means always avoiding getting sunburned.
-
Sunburn is damage to your skin caused by too much UV light from the sun. Skin damage can also come from artificial sources of UV light, such as sun beds and lamps.
Sunburn causes your skin to be:
red
sore
tender.
Sunburn can last for about a week. After a few days, your skin will usually flake and peel. If your sunburn is severe, your skin can blister.
Although sunburn only lasts a short time, it can increase your risks of serious problems, such as skin cancer in later life. Getting sunburn just once every 2 years can triple your risk of developing melanoma skin cancer.
-
Everyone who is exposed to UV light is at risk of sunburn (even if you have darker skin), but you may be at much greater risk if you:
have pale skin, blue or hazel eyes, or blond or red hair
have lots of moles or freckles
have have had sunburns before
have a personal or family history of skin cancer
take medicines that make your skin more likely to burn.
Other things that increase the risk of sunburn include:
living in Aotearoa New Zealand, where the sun is particularly strong
clear skies — clouds reduce some UV rays, but more than 90% still pass through light cloud
exposing your skin to the sun between 10am and 4pm, September to April
being at high altitude (the sun is stronger)
being on snow, sand, water or concrete — they all reflect UV light onto your skin.
Pēpi and tamariki can easily get sunburn. Advice for parents and caregivers on preventing and treating sunburn in tamariki can be found at KidsHealth.
Sunburn in children — KidsHealth(external link)
If your tamaiti has bad sunburn, is unwell or has sunburn and is under 12 months of age, take them to see your healthcare provider or an after hours clinic.
-
You can usually treat mild sunburn at home by:
cooling your skin — take a cool bath or shower or hold a cold flannel onto the sunburned area
applying a soothing lotion or spray — aloe vera can have a soothing effect
drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluids to cool yourself down and prevent dehydration
taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain, if necessary
rubbing on a mild, over-the-counter corticosteroid cream to the sunburned area, in some situations — ask your pharmacist for advice
staying out of the sun until the pain and skin redness go away.
When to get help for sunburnSee your healthcare provider or after hours clinic for sunburn if:
your tamaiti has bad sunburn or is unwell
your pēpi (under 12 months) has sunburn
your sunburn covers a large area
your skin is blistering or swelling
you have a high temperature
you feel dizzy, sick and have a headache (these may be signs of heat exhaustion).
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke(internal link)
Find a general practice or after hours clinic near you — Healthpoint(external link)
If you cannot get to your regular healthcare provider or GP, you can have an appointment over the phone or online.
-
See your healthcare provider or after hours clinic for sunburn if:
your tamaiti has bad sunburn or is unwell
your pēpi (under 12 months) has sunburn
your sunburn covers a large area
your skin is blistering or swelling
you have a high temperature
you feel dizzy, sick and have a headache (these may be signs of heat exhaustion).
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke(internal link)
Find a general practice or after hours clinic near you — Healthpoint(external link)
If you cannot get to your regular healthcare provider or GP, you can have an appointment over the phone or online.
-
The best way to protect yourself from sunburn is to be sun smart and avoid too much sun exposure.
You can feel the heat of the sun but not the UV light, which is why it is easy to get sunburn on cooler overcast days as well as on hot sunny days.
The best way to avoid too much UV light is to avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm from September to April. This is when the UV is the strongest.
There are UV Index (UVI) forecast apps that tell you when the sun is particularly strong and when you most need to protect your skin and eyes from UV light.
Sun safety in Aotearoa New Zealand — SunSmart(external link)
-
Liberally and evenly to clean and dry skin. For an adult, the recommended application is 5mL (approximately one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, body front, body back and face (including neck and ears). That equates to a total of 35mL (approximately seven teaspoons) for a full body application.
3 long finger lines for your face
Ever wondered how the sun damages your skin? Have a look at these clips that were taken under a UV light. Makes you think twice about sunscreen and general protection
View Information Sheet Here
SKIN CLINICS
CIVIC is fortunate to have three General Practitioners who specialise in skin and who are accredited with the Skin Cancer College Australasia. We offer regular spot check clinics to have worrying lesions checked by our providers.
A skin check appointment is 15min long and for assessment of 1-2 spots only. These appointments are not for skin rashes, eczema or other skin conditions. It’s also important to note the CIVIC don’t do mole-mapping or annual full skin checks. Please search online for external providers who would be able to assist with this.
We regret to advise that this service is currently for enrolled patients only. We will update our website should this change in the future.
Patients are welcome to complete the below enquiry form for further assistance regarding spot check queries.
