Unfortunately, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with melanoma being one of the more common types.
The good news is, if it’s caught early, it can be curable.
The good news is, if it’s caught early, it can be curable.
Dermatoscopy - A modern method of diagnosing skin cancers early, used by the Vein and Skin Clinic
Why Kiwis need to be especially careful
It might surprise you to hear that, per capita, New Zealand has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
Around 70,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year here, a rate that is four times higher than the United Kingdom, the USA, and Canada.
Skin cancer diagnoses here accounts for four times the number of all other cancers combined, and the reason why is still up for debate.
Despite being cooler, we tend to receive 40% more ultraviolet light than Spain, which is on the opposite side of the world to New Zealand. On top of that, 3 out of 4 people here are of European descent (mostly Celtic), so genetically we’re not suited to high levels of sunlight.
These are just two factors which can help to explain the shocking skin cancer statistics for Kiwis.
Around 70,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year here, a rate that is four times higher than the United Kingdom, the USA, and Canada.
Skin cancer diagnoses here accounts for four times the number of all other cancers combined, and the reason why is still up for debate.
Despite being cooler, we tend to receive 40% more ultraviolet light than Spain, which is on the opposite side of the world to New Zealand. On top of that, 3 out of 4 people here are of European descent (mostly Celtic), so genetically we’re not suited to high levels of sunlight.
These are just two factors which can help to explain the shocking skin cancer statistics for Kiwis.
Regular mole checks are vital
It would be a mistake to think only light-skinned people are at risk of skin cancer. Also, melanomas can arise in young adults on non-sun exposed areas.
Everyone is susceptible to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, and sunscreen should be worn by anyone who is out in the sun for long periods of time. Even on a cloudy day, 40% of the sun’s light will reach the ground.
Knowing your body is the first step in preventing skin cancer. By checking yourself regularly, you can become familiar with existing moles, growths, or skin tags, allowing you to notice any new lesions or changes that occur.
A dermatoscopic examination and/or a mole map is also recommended, which records all your moles on file. This way, if any changes do occur, you can compare them to previous images and see just how much they’ve changed, and if you need to be concerned.
Time plays a significant factor in skin cancer prevention, and the longer a cancerous mole is left untreated, the more serious the situation becomes.
Everyone is susceptible to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, and sunscreen should be worn by anyone who is out in the sun for long periods of time. Even on a cloudy day, 40% of the sun’s light will reach the ground.
Knowing your body is the first step in preventing skin cancer. By checking yourself regularly, you can become familiar with existing moles, growths, or skin tags, allowing you to notice any new lesions or changes that occur.
A dermatoscopic examination and/or a mole map is also recommended, which records all your moles on file. This way, if any changes do occur, you can compare them to previous images and see just how much they’ve changed, and if you need to be concerned.
Time plays a significant factor in skin cancer prevention, and the longer a cancerous mole is left untreated, the more serious the situation becomes.
Why do moles turn cancerous?
Your skin contains cells called melanocytes, which contain a pigment called melanin. Your skin colour is determined by the melanin content within these cells.
The more melanin these cells have, the darker your skin.
Moles are basically a cluster of melanocytes that group together instead of spreading out over the skin.
Radiation of any kind affects our DNA, changing the way it divides and grows. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun warps our skin cells, causing them to grow rapidly and out of control.
Moles are more susceptible to these changes than other skin cells, the reasons for which are still hotly debated by dermatologists. What we do know is that if these changes don’t correct themselves, the cells can grow to a point where they become cancerous, spreading throughout the body.
The more melanin these cells have, the darker your skin.
Moles are basically a cluster of melanocytes that group together instead of spreading out over the skin.
Radiation of any kind affects our DNA, changing the way it divides and grows. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun warps our skin cells, causing them to grow rapidly and out of control.
Moles are more susceptible to these changes than other skin cells, the reasons for which are still hotly debated by dermatologists. What we do know is that if these changes don’t correct themselves, the cells can grow to a point where they become cancerous, spreading throughout the body.
How we can help with skin cancer checks
Our aim is to detect and treat skin cancers as early as possible, by using dermatoscopy to examine and identify any suspicious moles or skin lesions.
If you come in for a skin cancer check and we do find something that is worthy of concern, then we have the expertise to biopsy and/or excise most skin cancers, right here on-site.
Other conditions such as warts, skin tags and other benign lesions can also be treated on-site, with a variety of non-surgical procedures which can make the lesions disappear without the necessity for excision.
If you have any concerns and would like to have a skin cancer check, please do not hesitate to contact us and book an appointment.
Even if it turns out there’s nothing there, peace of mind is priceless, and our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Remember, detection is the key – if you can spot it, you can stop it.
If you come in for a skin cancer check and we do find something that is worthy of concern, then we have the expertise to biopsy and/or excise most skin cancers, right here on-site.
Other conditions such as warts, skin tags and other benign lesions can also be treated on-site, with a variety of non-surgical procedures which can make the lesions disappear without the necessity for excision.
If you have any concerns and would like to have a skin cancer check, please do not hesitate to contact us and book an appointment.
Even if it turns out there’s nothing there, peace of mind is priceless, and our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Remember, detection is the key – if you can spot it, you can stop it.
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