Skin cancer is one of the most treatable diseases when caught early and our Mole Mate service can help your GP detect dangerous or cancerous skin spots.

Australians love the sun and a problematic byproduct of that is after years of exposure, many of us are likely to develop skin cancer if not wearing adequate protection like sunscreen, sunglasses and proper clothing.

An easy way to get peace of mind when you notice a new or changed skin spot is to talk to your Nanango GP about our Mole Mate screening.

What is Mole Mate?

Mole Mate is a non-invasive detection device which looks like a large pen. It has been designed to provide painless and rapid detection of cancerous or benign skin lesions. Skin cancer can be tricky to detect if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Mole Mate can use a range of views such as collagen and melanin visualisations to give your Nanango GP an idea as to the seriousness of the mole or skin spot.

Types Of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer which vary in severity, seriousness and treatment options. Some can take decades to appear while melanoma can kill within months if undetected and it has already spread around the body.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common skin cancer and the one you’ve probably heard most people have cut or frozen off. BCCs usually appear as a red or pink ulcerated lesion which can become locally invasive and destroy the surrounding area, making treatment more intense and prone to scarring. They are usually found on the face, neck and arms and an early warning sign could be bleeding when knocked or developing a scaly appearance. Itchiness is also a common symptom.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Considered more dangerous than BCCs, SCCs can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. They have a red scaly appearance and may resemble warts or other lesions. They are difficult to detect yourself and need a medical professional to diagnose them.

Melanoma: The most dangerous and life threatening. Melanoma is the most important skin cancer to detect early because it spreads around the body so quickly and is often detected too late because some people do not have regular skin checks. It is usually a new black, brown or even blue and green mole or grows in an existing freckle or lesion. If caught early it’s highly treatable but fatal if left untreated. The best way to avoid skin cancer is to prevent it.

Checking for skin cancer at home

You can complete regular checks on your skin and chat with your Nanango GP if you notice any changes. The easiest way is called the ABCDE method.

Asymmetry: it doesn’t match in equal halves.

Border: they may be uneven or a crooked shape.

Colour: It may include more than one.

Diameter: generally more than 6mm although some are smaller.

Evolving: by changing shape, size or colour over time.

So call our friendly staff at the Drayton Street Family Practice today on (07) 4171 0711 to book a skin check with Mole Mate.