Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with one in two people who live full lives developing some form of skin cancer. Fortunately, most skin cancers can be cured if they are found and treated early.

The Cancer Council of W.A. recommends that everyone checks their skin regularly, every 3 months as standard. Each individual whould be aware of what is normal for them, and be alert to any new or changing moles.

Examination of the skin

ABCD Guidelines for the early detection of Melanoma

The ABCD guidelines provide a very useful way to monitor your skin and detect the signs of melanoma. It is essential that you seek expert assessment if you notice the following factors:

• A is for ASYMMETRY: One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
  
• B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
  
• C is for COLOR: The color is not the same all over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue.
  
• D is for DIAMETER: The area is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger

The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or color over a period of time. Self-Examination of the skin is an important activity for all those living in Australia and especially those with known risk factors for melanoma.

If you are unsure about a region on your body, you have a number of options;

See your General Practioner (GP)

Your normal GP will know your individual and family medical history, can examine your skin and refer you to a specialist if needed.

See a Specialist (Dermatologist)

A Dermatologist is a doctor who has undertaken specialist training in diagnosing and treating skin disease, including skin cancer.

Go to a Skin or Mole Clinic

Many of these clinics are run by GPs but it is important to ask the qualifications of their staff and the services they provide. All results should still be forwarded on to your personal GP, so that follow up treatment can be considered.