With our harsh climate and love of the outdoor lifestyle, Australians are at great risk of developing skin cancer. So it’s imperative that all Australians have a regular MoleMate skin check.

There are three main types of skin cancer — with melanoma the most common and deadliest form of skin cancer. If left untreated, this skin cancer can rapidly spread to other parts of the body.

Skin cancer can appear on any part of your skin, not just the parts that are usually exposed to sunlight.

It’s a good idea to practice regular self-care by examining your face, scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, armpits, hands, legs, feet and toes for signs of skin cancer.

These can include spots that lack symmetry, spots with irregular edges or spots that spread, changes in colour, blotchy spots, spots that are getting bigger, spots that are changing and growing. A full list of warning signs can be found here.

However, it’s also vital that you regularly have a skin check with your doctor, as you may miss the skin cancer warning signs.

Drayton Street Family Practice offers a specialist Skin Cancer Screening service, MoleMate. This advanced skin screening process is designed to catch skin cancers in their earliest stages. It is a fast, non-invasive process which can identify suspicious and benign legions.

MoleMate is a more thorough way of examining the skin, in comparison to a regular skin check from your GP. This service includes at least two consultations with your doctor: the first consultation consisting of a full skin check and a photographic recording of suspicious lesions and moles.

Your second consultation will be scheduled after your doctor has time to assess the lesions and determine any required treatments or follow ups.

If you have been given the ‘all clear’ by your GP, we recommend that patients still make an appointment for a MoleMate scan every 12 months.

Enjoy the sun responsibly this spring and summer — and get to know the signs of skin cancer. Contact our friendly team at Drayton Street Family Practice to book your next MoleMate skin check on 07 4171 0711.