Whether you spend your weekends gardening in Bundanoon, playing sport in Moss Vale, or simply enjoying the outdoors, everyday sun exposure quickly adds up. Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, making proactive skin health an absolute necessity.
While wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is vital, early detection by a medical professional is your strongest defence. That is why booking a routine skin cancer check in the Southern Highlands is one of the most important preventative health measures you can take for yourself and your family.
The ABCDE Rule: Monitoring Your Moles at Home
Between your visits to the doctor, it is highly recommended that you perform self-examinations. Understanding what to look for can help you spot early warning signs of melanoma. The internationally recognised “ABCDE” rule is a straightforward guide to identifying potentially dangerous, changing moles or freckles:
- A is for Asymmetry: Harmless moles are typically symmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves should match. If they do not, it should be checked.
- B is for Border: A benign mole usually has smooth, even edges. Warning signs include borders that are irregular, scalloped, jagged, or poorly defined.
- C is for Colour: Most healthy moles are a single shade of brown. A lesion that has multiple colours, such as varying shades of tan, brown, black, or even patches of red, white, or blue, is a red flag.
- D is for Diameter: While melanomas can be small, they are often larger than 6 millimetres across (roughly the size of a pencil eraser).
- E is for Evolving: This is arguably the most critical warning sign. Any mole or spot that is changing in size, shape, colour, elevation, or begins to bleed, itch, or crust requires immediate medical evaluation.
Who is at the Highest Risk?
While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors can elevate your risk. You should be particularly vigilant about scheduling annual skin checks if you have:
- Fair skin, light-coloured eyes, or naturally red or blonde hair.
- A history of severe or blistering sunburns, particularly during childhood.
- A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
- A high number of moles on your body.
- An outdoor occupation or lifestyle that involves heavy, ongoing sun exposure.
What Happens During a Professional Evaluation?
If you have never had one before, you might be wondering what to expect during a comprehensive skin cancer check Southern Highlands doctors perform.
The process is entirely painless and non-invasive. Your General Practitioner will conduct a thorough, head-to-toe visual examination of your skin. They often use a specialised, handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope. This tool allows the doctor to see beneath the top layer of skin to examine the cellular structure of a mole, identifying microscopic changes that are completely invisible to the naked eye. If a suspicious spot is found, your GP will discuss the next steps, which may include monitoring the spot, taking a small biopsy, or arranging for its removal.
Taking Action at Southern Medical Centre
Do not wait until the height of summer to start thinking about your skin health. If you notice a changing mole, or if you simply cannot remember the last time you had your skin professionally examined, it is time to make an appointment.
If you need to book a skin cancer check, Southern Highlands residents have trusted Southern Medical Centre for over 50 years. With conveniently located practices in both Moss Vale and Bundanoon, our dedicated team of male and female healthcare professionals is committed to providing the highest quality preventative care.
All of our doctors can access your records to provide comprehensive care across both clinic locations.
Protect your health and book your skin check today:
