The comprehensive skin cancer guide and your options when it comes to mole removal

Could your tan be killing you?

skindoctorsa.com.au (08) 8449 2002

CONTENTS

SKIN CANCER

THE CAUSES

THE WARNING SIGNS

THE SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER Detecting skin cancer as easy as A,B,C,D

BE SUN SMART Protecting yourself from skin cancer

MOLE AND SKIN REPAIR

COSMETIC MOLE REMOVAL

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SKIN CANCER

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.

Fortunately 95% percent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early

enough.

Over the past few decades, the incidence of skin cancer among Australians has continued to rise. From 1982 to 2010

melanoma diagnoses increased by a staggering 60%. From 1998 through to 2007, the number of GP consultations to

treat non-melanoma skin cancer increased by 14%, with a total of 950,000 visits each year.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer, with 434,000 people treated in

Australia each year. This type of skin cancer is more prolific in men, with almost double the incidence

compared to women.

With the exclusion of non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma is the third most common cancer among

Australians; it is the most common for Aussies between the ages of 15 - 44. During 2011, 11,570 people in

Australia were diagnosed with melanoma.

In 2012, 2,036 Australians lost their lives due to skin cancer. The majority of these deaths were a result

of melanoma which accounted for 1,515 deaths during that year, compared to 521 deaths from non-

melanoma skin cancers. The five-year relative survival rate for melanoma is 90% for Australian men and

94% for Australian women.

When it comes to identifying skin cancer, time is of the essence. The sooner a skin cancer can be identified and treated,

the better chance of avoiding surgery or further health related complications.

It is recommended you speak with a doctor about your level of risk and to gain advice on early detection.

Get to know your skin, become familiar with its look and feel; this will allow you to pick up on changes

which may be potential cancers.

The facts

Every year, in Australia:

• Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers

• Between 95 and 99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun

• GPs have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer

• The incidence of skin cancer in Australia is one of the highest in the world, two to three times the rate of countries such as Canada, the US and the UK.

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IN AUSTRALIA THE INCIDENCE OF SKIN CANCER IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD, TWO OR THREE TIMES THE RATE OF COUNTRIES SUCH AS CANADA,

THE US AND UK.

DURING 2012, 2,036 AUSTRALIANS LOST THEIR LIVES AS A RESULT OF SKIN CANCER.

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Causes

Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you age.

The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.

Sunburn

Sunburn is closely associated with the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.

In Australia almost 14% of adults, 24% of teenagers and 8% of children are sunburnt on most weekends. Whether it be taking part in water sports and activities at the beach, in the pool, or simply gardening around the house, sunburn can always be a factor.

It is a common misconception that you cannot be burnt during cooler weather or on overcast days. This is untrue – you are still able to get burnt during cooler temperatures, as UV radiation can be just as strong.

Sun exposure that doesn’t result in burning can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Evidence suggests that regular exposure to UV radiation year after year can also lead to skin cancer.

On a summer’s day in Australia, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes. All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. This could lay the groundwork for skin cancers to develop.

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Tanning

Another common misconception amongst Australians is that a tan is a sign of good health. Almost half of Australians believe that a tan makes an individual look healthy. A tan is not a sign of good health.

Tanning is a sign that your skin has been exposed to enough harmful UV radiation to damage your skin. This can cause loss of elasticity resulting in wrinkles, sagging, discolouration and even brown patches to appear on the skin. Tanning also increases the risk of skin cancer.

Having dark pigmented skin or a tan offers limited protection against sunburn, dependent on your skin type, a tan will only protect you up to SPF4. A tan does not protect you from DNA damage, which leads to skin cancer. Some people choose to use fake tan thinking it will provide some form of protection form UV radiation, this is simply not true. As a result they may not be taking the correct sun protection precautions, putting them at greater risk of skin cancer.

The major cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation whether from the sun or artificial sources, including solariums. The levels of UV radiation emitted from solariums can be up to six times stronger than the midday summer sun.

Research shows that people who use a solarium before the age of 35 have a 59% greater risk of melanoma than those who do not use solariums.

There is no such thing as a safe tan – whether from the sun or a solarium. Tanning is a sign your skin cells are in trauma and the more that your skin is overexposed to UV radiation, the greater your risk of skin cancer.

Solariums

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THE WARNING SIGNS

The earlier a skin cancer can be identified and treated, the better the chance of avoiding surgery, or in the case of serious melanoma or other forms of skin cancer, potential health consequences which may

result in death.

It is a great idea to discuss with your doctor your risk level and any advice they have on early detection.

Skin Cancers

There are three main types of skin cancer; these are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Melanoma

• Accounts for 1–2% of all skin cancers.

• It is the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer.

• If left untreated it has the capability of spreading to other parts of the body where it can be fatal.

• Can appear as a new or existing spot, freckle or mole that changes in colour, size or shape.

• These cancers can grow anywhere on the body, not just areas which have been exposed to the sun.

• Most frequently for males these appear on the upper back, for females generally the lower legs.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• Accounts for around 66% of skin cancers.

• Form as small, round or flattened spots that are red, pale or pearly in colour.

• May become ulcerated, bleed and fail to heal.

• These are usually found on the upper body, head or neck.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• Accounts for around 33% of skin cancers.

• Grows over months and has the ability to spread if not treated.

• Appear as scaly red areas which may bleed easily, ulcers or non-healing sores that are often painful, especially when touched.

• These are commonly found on lips, ears, scalp, backs of the hands and lower legs.

Warning signs

The following spots are not skin cancer but may expose you to skin cancer later on. These can also be a warning sign that skin damage has occurred.

Dysplastic naevi (typical moles)

• Odd-shaped moles which may indicate an increased risk of developing melanoma.

• Usually 5-10mm wide with an uneven colour.

• If you find you have a number of odd shaped moles it is recommended you have your skin examined by a doctor.

Solar keratoses (‘sunspots’)

• These are typically hard, red, scaly spots on sun-exposed areas of the skin.

• Most commonly found on the head, neck and backs of the hands.

• Is a warning sign that the skin has been damaged by the sun, increasing your risk.

• If you find you have solar keratoses, protect yourself from further sun damage and have your skin checked.

Seborrhoeic keratoses (senile warts)

• Common non-cancerous spots sometimes confused with melanomas.

• Raised warty-looking brown or black lesions with well defined borders.

• Typically harmless but should be monitored.

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Do you know what you should be looking for?

A simple check of your skin could save your life. You should be checking your skin regularly. Get to know your skin and take immediate action if you begin to notice changes.

If you have fair skin, light coloured eyes, fair hair or a high number of moles or freckles you are at high risk of developing skin cancer. Cumulative UV exposure also contributes to your risk of developing skin cancer.

If you have grown up in Australia, work mainly outdoors or spend extended time in direct sun light, take care to protect your skin, it could save your life.

Check your skin

The majority of skin cancers are first detected by either the person or a loved one.

To check your skin, undress completely and stand in good light.

Use a full-length or hand-held mirror to check your back, legs and scalp. If there are areas you can’t see properly ask a family member or your GP for a skin check- these areas shouldn’t be ignored.

Make sure you check your entire body as skin cancers can sometimes occur on parts of the body which are not typically exposed to the sun.

Sun exposure that doesn’t result in burning can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Evidence suggests that regular exposure to UV radiation year after year can also lead to skin cancer.

Check your:

• Head, scalp, neck and ears; ensure you look closely around the nose, lips, ears and scalp.

• Torso, check the front, back and sides of the torso.

• Arms, hands, fingers and nails; remember to look at the spaces between the fingers and the beds of your fingernails.

• Buttocks, legs and feet; remember to check between toes, under toenails and on the soles of your feet.

See a doctor straight away if you notice:

• A skin spot which is different from other spots around it.

• A mole or freckle which has changed in size, shape or colour over time.

• A new spot which has changed over weeks or months in size, shape or colour.

• An inflamed sore which has not healed within a three week time frame.

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The warning signs of skin cancer

Easy as A,B,C,D

A symmetry; If the spot or lesion is divided in half, the two halves are not a mirror image.

Border; A spot with a spreading or irregular edge.

Colour; A spot with a number of different colours through it.

Diameter; A spot which is growing and changing in diameter or size.

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BE SUN SMART PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SKIN CANCER

Follow these five steps to protect yourself. UV levels are highest during the middle of the day. Take care to be Sun Smart when the UV Index is 3 or above.

Ensure when you are in the sun,

you are using broad spectrum

sunscreen which is SPF30 or

higher.

Make use of shaded areas

including trees and covered

patios. If not, construct your own

such as an umbrella.

Limit the time you spend in the

sun and ensure you are not in

direct sunlight during hours

between 12 - 3 pm.

Wear a broad brimmed hat which

covers your face, head, neck and

ears. It is important you protect

these areas from direct UV light.

Wear sunglasses to reduce the sun’s

effect on your eyes. Close fitting,

wrap around styles offer the best

protection.

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SKIN CANCER, MOLE & SKIN REPAIR

At Skin Doctor SA, Dr Ron Louis offers comprehensive skin cancer and mole checks, as well as surgical and non-

surgical treatment of skin cancer and moles.

We have the latest technology which enables us to locate and identify potentially harmful skin cancers.

We can provide a thorough skin cancer check to give you peace of mind when it comes to your skin.

If our experienced doctors identify any concerns, such as skin cancers or moles which could become potentially

harmful , we can provide comprehensive treatment.

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With many thousands of new cases diagnosed

annually, skin cancer, including malignant melanoma

(malignant mole), is the most common form of

cancer in Australia. Although skin cancer is extremely

prevalent, there is good news! Skin cancer is not

usually lethal and has a high recovery rate, especially

when diagnosed early and accurately.

The early signs of skin cancers are often subtle, with

accurate diagnosis requiring years of experience

examining skin lesions.

Dr Ron Louis, at Skin Doctor SA in Semaphore

has had decades of experience with skin cancers.

This experience is augmented by the use of latest

technologies to assist with assessments, monitoring,

and treatments.

Dr Ron Louis will assess your skin comprehensively

for existing or potential skin cancers. If a lesion looks

suspicious he will dermatoscope the lesion for closer

computer-enhanced examination. Should suspicious

features be confirmed, he will either store the image

for monitoring at a later stage, biopsy the lesion for

histological laboratory assessment, or arrange for

excision.

Except for melanomas, skin cancers usually arise in

skin which has been extensively sun-damaged over

many years.

Repairing sun-damaged skin is Dr Louis’ area

of expertise. He is extremely well-equipped to

advise you on the options for reversing some of

the ravages of sun and age on your skin, to make

your skin look fresher, smoother, and younger.

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Cosmetic mole removal

Until recently there have been only two options for

dealing with moles – leave them alone, or have them

surgically excised with a resultant scar which is often

as obvious as the mole. Often, moles are in areas

where excision is difficult or impossible (other than by

excision and graft) such as on and around the nose,

lips and eyes.

An alternative to traditional excision is radiowave

treatment. The fine electrodes used in radiowave

surgery remove fine slivers of mole tissue, shaving it

down to skin level leaving a smooth surface which

forms a superficial scab.

Provided this is left to heal naturally (7 to 10 days)

there is rarely any scarring at the treatment site.

There may be slight colour difference in the treated

skin (compared with the surrounding skin) but this will

tend to fade and blend in over time.

The process is painless, as the mole is injected with a

local anaesthetic prior to removal.

If you would like further information on skin cancer,

mole and skin repair please visit our website, or get in

contact with our team to help you to love the skin you

are in.

Thinning and wrinkling of skin, rough scaly texture,

mottled brown or red blotching, and facial blood

vessels can all be markedly improved with the wide

range of treatments and skin products available at

Skin Doctor SA in Semaphore.

Ask Dr Louis about the options suitable for your skin

when you have your Skin Cancer and mole check.

Skin Doctor SA in Semaphore is located in historic

“Evancourt”, on the Esplanade and has easy parking.

We are a medical cosmetic skin clinic run by medical

professionals dedicated to caring for your skin and

getting it looking its best.

Skin Doctor SA in Semaphore provides a wide range

of ‘state-of-the-art’ procedures and therapeutic skin

products aimed at rejuvenating your sun-damaged

and aging skin, including laser, anti-wrinkle injections

and fillers, as well as hair removal, dermabrasion

and acne treatments. Dr Louis will advise you on the

treatment options for freshening up your appearance.

Skin Doctor SA will help you to love the skin you are in.

Skin Doctor SA provides:

> Skin cancer assessments> Skin cancer treatments> Digital photographic imaging

> Dermoscopy> Monitoring> Skin repair> Mole removal> Photodynamic therapy

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skindoctorsa.com.au

(08) 8449 2002

(08) 8449 2008

80 EsplanadeSemaphore, SA, 5019