Australia’s National Skin Check Day is Thursday 25th February.
We are partnering with Mates Against Melanoma to set a world record for the most skin checks completed in a day and also that week (22nd– 26th February)!
Who are the Mates Against Melanoma?
Mates Against Melanoma is the brainchild and Foundation of Jason Sprott, a terminally ill sufferer of late stage metastasis melanoma. In 2004 Jason went to see his GP about a suspicious mole which had changed colour on the back of his neck. The mole was removed, sent to a laboratory for analysis and found to be melanoma. That was the beginning of Jason’s long and painful fight with the cancer which spread through his body and required numerous operations and treatment regimes. His full story is here, including how he accessed his superannuation to fund the Foundation with the aims of raising awareness of the disease and supporting people who are going through the painful and costly operations, treatment and rehabilitation he has endured.
Why is it important to get a skin check?
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70! The more positive news is 95% of those skin cancers can be successfully treated if they are detected early.
The Cancer Council and Ochre Health recommend an annual skin check, especially for people over the age of 40. Regardless of your age, whether you have never had a skin check or whether you get one regularly, we encourage you to book a skin check for Thursday 25th February or during that week to be part of a new world record – and it could also save your life!
Why focus on melanoma?
Melanoma, often referred to as ‘Australia’s national cancer’, is the most serious form of skin cancer. Across all age groups, it represents only 2% of skin cancers, but it causes 75% of skin cancer deaths. Unfortunately, in young Australians (15–39 year olds), it is actually one of the most common forms of skin cancer, making up 20% of cases, and it kills more people in this age group than any other cancer.
What is your personal risk of skin cancer?
Your risk of skin cancer is determined by many contributing factors. The key ones include:
- Your age
- Your ethnicity
- Your family history
- Your skin type and complexion
- Your sun exposure and history of sunburn
- Any previous skin cancer treatment you may have needed
- How often you get a skin check done by your doctor
If you would like to get an idea of your risk, there are many personal risk assessment tools available online that calculate your risk based on your answers to evidence-based questions. With thanks to the Melanoma Research Division of QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute based in Queensland, one such tool can be found here.
How else can you protect yourself?
As well as booking a regular skin check with your GP, it is important to follow the 5 S’s of sun protection recommended by The Cancer Council:
- Slip… on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop… on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards.
- Slap… on a hat, ideally with a broad brim to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
- Seek… shade.
- Slide… on some sunglasses that meet Australian Standards.
The post Book a skin check and set a world record – it could even save your life! appeared first on Ochre Health.