Are You At Risk Of Developing Skin Cancer In Australia
Many people are aware that the most crucial step in preventing skin cancer is safeguarding their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
But what if your skin hasn't always been adequately protected? What if you can't always avoid prolonged sun exposure? Or perhaps you have a family history of skin cancer?
Preventing skin cancer also involves understanding your own level of risk.
Skin Cancer Risk Assessment.
Do you know your own risk of developing skin cancer? If you don't, it’s essential to undergo a skin cancer risk assessment. You can use an online skin cancer risk assessment tool to approximate your risk of skin cancer and determine if you need to see a specialist for a more detailed evaluation.
This quick, non-invasive evaluation was designed by a group of skin cancer professionals in Australia to determine your personal level of risk. Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it also ensures that any potential health concerns are addressed promptly before they can escalate into more serious issues.
Depending on the results of your risk assessment, you may need to consult with a skin cancer specialist regularly, either every six or twelve months if you are at high risk, or less frequently if you fall into lower-risk categories.
What does a comprehensive skin cancer risk assessment by a specialist entail?
A thorough skin cancer risk assessment typically involves the following steps:
Reviewing Your Medical History.
We will review both your personal and family medical histories, asking about any previous skin cancers, excessive sun exposure, use of tanning beds, and other potential risk factors that might elevate your risk of skin cancer.
Examining Your Skin.
We will conduct a meticulous skin check, examining your skin from head to toe for any suspicious moles, growths, or precancerous lesions that may indicate a heightened risk of skin cancer.
Evaluating Your Risk Factors.
Based on your medical history and skin examination, we will assess your specific risk factors such as having fair skin, numerous moles, freckles, or a high sensitivity to the sun.
Calculating Your Risk.
Using evidence-based risk models, we will calculate your estimated risk percentage for developing melanoma, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, or other types of skin cancer over a specified period, such as 5 or 10 years.
Providing Personalized Recommendations.
Finally, we will offer personalized recommendations based on your risk level. This might include how often you should perform self-exams, seek professional screenings, adopt sun protection habits, and more.
Who Should Get a Risk Assessment?
Individuals with risk factors like fair skin, a large number of moles, a history of sunburns, or a family history of melanoma should definitely get a skin cancer risk assessment.
How Often Should You Get Assessed?
For those with average risk, an assessment every few years is typically sufficient. However, if you are at high risk, yearly or even more frequent assessments may be advised.
What If You Are Found to Be at High Risk?
If you are identified as high risk, you will receive personalized advice which may include more frequent skin checks, preventative treatments or medications, and stringent sun protection practices.
Where Can You Book a Skin Cancer Risk Assessment?
You can visit our website to book an appointment or request a consultation with one of our skin cancer specialists. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial, so don’t wait.
Many people are aware that the most crucial step in preventing skin cancer is safeguarding their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
But what if your skin hasn't always been adequately protected? What if you can't always avoid prolonged sun exposure? Or perhaps you have a family history of skin cancer?
Preventing skin cancer also involves understanding your own level of risk.
Skin Cancer Risk Assessment.
Do you know your own risk of developing skin cancer? If you don't, it’s essential to undergo a skin cancer risk assessment. You can use an online skin cancer risk assessment tool to approximate your risk of skin cancer and determine if you need to see a specialist for a more detailed evaluation.
This quick, non-invasive evaluation was designed by a group of skin cancer professionals in Australia to determine your personal level of risk. Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it also ensures that any potential health concerns are addressed promptly before they can escalate into more serious issues.
Depending on the results of your risk assessment, you may need to consult with a skin cancer specialist regularly, either every six or twelve months if you are at high risk, or less frequently if you fall into lower-risk categories.
What does a comprehensive skin cancer risk assessment by a specialist entail?
A thorough skin cancer risk assessment typically involves the following steps:
Reviewing Your Medical History.
We will review both your personal and family medical histories, asking about any previous skin cancers, excessive sun exposure, use of tanning beds, and other potential risk factors that might elevate your risk of skin cancer.
Examining Your Skin.
We will conduct a meticulous skin check, examining your skin from head to toe for any suspicious moles, growths, or precancerous lesions that may indicate a heightened risk of skin cancer.
Evaluating Your Risk Factors.
Based on your medical history and skin examination, we will assess your specific risk factors such as having fair skin, numerous moles, freckles, or a high sensitivity to the sun.
Calculating Your Risk.
Using evidence-based risk models, we will calculate your estimated risk percentage for developing melanoma, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, or other types of skin cancer over a specified period, such as 5 or 10 years.
Providing Personalized Recommendations.
Finally, we will offer personalized recommendations based on your risk level. This might include how often you should perform self-exams, seek professional screenings, adopt sun protection habits, and more.
Who Should Get a Risk Assessment?
Individuals with risk factors like fair skin, a large number of moles, a history of sunburns, or a family history of melanoma should definitely get a skin cancer risk assessment.
How Often Should You Get Assessed?
For those with average risk, an assessment every few years is typically sufficient. However, if you are at high risk, yearly or even more frequent assessments may be advised.
What If You Are Found to Be at High Risk?
If you are identified as high risk, you will receive personalized advice which may include more frequent skin checks, preventative treatments or medications, and stringent sun protection practices.
Where Can You Book a Skin Cancer Risk Assessment?
You can visit our website to book an appointment or request a consultation with one of our skin cancer specialists. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial, so don’t wait.
