The Benefits of Regular Skin Screenings

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with more than two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Maintaining healthy skin goes beyond applying sunscreen and choosing the right skincare products; it includes proactive monitoring through regular skin screenings. These screenings are crucial for detecting early signs of skin cancer and other dermatological conditions. This article explores why everyone should consider making skin screenings a routine part of their health care.

What is a skin screening?

A skin screening is a visual inspection of your skin by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or a trained general practitioner.

During the examination, the professional looks for any suspicious spots or growths that could indicate skin issues, including cancerous changes.

What can it detect?

The primary benefit of regular skin screenings is the early detection of skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Early detection can dramatically increase survival rates; for example, melanoma can have a survival rate of over 98% when detected early. These screenings can catch potential dangers before they develop into more severe problems.

The importance of prevention and monitoring

Don’t wait until you think something looks odd.

Regular screenings enable ongoing monitoring of your skin's health, allowing for the early detection of new lesions or changes in existing moles.

By keeping a detailed record of your skin's condition, dermatologists can identify harmful changes sooner and act quickly.

Guidance on Skin Care and Protection

In addition to monitoring skin health, screenings provide an opportunity to receive personalised skincare advice.

Based on your skin's condition, a dermatologist might recommend specific protective measures, such as broad-spectrum sunscreens or specialised skincare products to address your unique needs.

If you’re in need of some high quality sun protection and specialised skincare products, pop into the clinic and we’d be happy to help you with some options.

Who Should Consider Regular Screenings?

Regular skin screenings are particularly important for those with a high risk of skin cancer, such as individuals with a personal or family history of the disease, those with numerous moles, or those with fair skin prone to sunburn.

Generally, starting annual screenings from the age of 45 or earlier for those at higher risk is advisable.