Last year, a survey by the New Zealand Herald found that 1 in every 3 New Zealanders thought they should have a mole check, but they hadn’t actually done so, yet.
Younger people were the least likely to have had a mole check, often citing cost factors as the main reason why they hadn’t.
Given the serious consequences, let’s take a look at some of the key things to know about skin cancer and mole checks.
Younger people were the least likely to have had a mole check, often citing cost factors as the main reason why they hadn’t.
Given the serious consequences, let’s take a look at some of the key things to know about skin cancer and mole checks.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
You probably already knew this fact.
There are several factors contributing towards our high rates of skin cancer. These include the high numbers of Anglo-Saxon immigrants with photosensitive skins, plus the outdoor lifestyle and the desire for a tan.
We often have the best intentions and plan to cover up, but no one's perfect. You go out on the boat then realise you’ve forgotten the sunscreen, you’re still going to go fishing right?
You spend all day at the Cricket, or watch your kids play sport under the summer sun. Even with sunscreen on you are still being exposed to harmful rays for a long period of time.
And don’t forget all the incidental sun exposure that happens as you go about your daily business. When we head to the beach, we’re usually pretty good at applying sunscreen, but what about when we are out and about running errands, taking the dogs for a walk, even shopping?
Sun exposure is an inevitable part of living in New Zealand, and for many of us, moles and other spots begin to appear on our skin, especially as we get older.
There are several factors contributing towards our high rates of skin cancer. These include the high numbers of Anglo-Saxon immigrants with photosensitive skins, plus the outdoor lifestyle and the desire for a tan.
We often have the best intentions and plan to cover up, but no one's perfect. You go out on the boat then realise you’ve forgotten the sunscreen, you’re still going to go fishing right?
You spend all day at the Cricket, or watch your kids play sport under the summer sun. Even with sunscreen on you are still being exposed to harmful rays for a long period of time.
And don’t forget all the incidental sun exposure that happens as you go about your daily business. When we head to the beach, we’re usually pretty good at applying sunscreen, but what about when we are out and about running errands, taking the dogs for a walk, even shopping?
Sun exposure is an inevitable part of living in New Zealand, and for many of us, moles and other spots begin to appear on our skin, especially as we get older.
So, I’ve got some spots on my skin, what now?
The key is to get very familiar with your skin, spots and moles so that you notice when things change or feel different. Basically, check yourself regularly.
Obviously, it pays to get an expert opinion or a professional mole check, but moles that change rapidly can be a real cause for concern.
The most deadly form of skin cancer is a Malignant Melanoma. In 80% of cases it presents as a new spot or in 20% of cases as a mole that changes and becomes larger, more irregular and darker. They can appear even on skin that hasn’t been exposed to the sun.
Obviously, it pays to get an expert opinion or a professional mole check, but moles that change rapidly can be a real cause for concern.
The most deadly form of skin cancer is a Malignant Melanoma. In 80% of cases it presents as a new spot or in 20% of cases as a mole that changes and becomes larger, more irregular and darker. They can appear even on skin that hasn’t been exposed to the sun.
The main benefits of regular mole checks
Besides having an expert tell you whether your moles are anything to worry about, require action or not, there are a number of reasons why you should have a mole check on a regular basis:
- Specialists will use magnification and intense light to see features of your moles that you will never see with your own eyes.
- A skin record can be created allowing for proper monitoring of your moles and spots over time, year to year.
- Peace of mind. It’s easy to worry when there are so many unknowns. Relieving yourself of that stress is worth the cost alone!
Get Your Mole Check at the Vein and Skin Clinic
The clinic doctors use DERMATOSCOPY to examine and identify any suspicious skin lesions and have the expertise to biopsy and/or excise most skin cancers. All operations are performed on-site (with special attention to a good cosmetic as well as surgical outcomes) in one of two dedicated theatres for minor operative procedures.
To book a mole check today click here or phone the Vein & Skin Clinic on 0800 639 968.
To book a mole check today click here or phone the Vein & Skin Clinic on 0800 639 968.
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