Identifying melanoma
Over 2,000 people die from skin cancer in Australia each year. Skin cancer can affect
anyone, occur anywhere on the body, and often shows no symptoms until at an
advanced stage. Most skin cancers can be successfully treated if detected early.
Self-exams and skin checks with your doctor will ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
How to check your skin spots
Source: Ultabeauty. (2015, June 1.) La Roche Posay Suncare - Check Your Beauty Spots! | Ulta Beauty.
To find out if you are at risk of skin cancer, take a quick quiz now
Know your ABCDEs of Melanoma
The first symptom of a melanoma is usually the appearance of a new spot or a change in an existing freckle or mole, which evolves in size, shape or colour over several weeks or months. The guidelines below are a useful tool for monitoring your own skin to detect the early signs of skin cancer. However, the best way to identify a melanoma is to get a skin check from a professional. Early detection increases your chances of survival to 98 percent.
AsymmetryDo the two halves of the lesion match if you draw a line through the middle? |
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BorderAre the borders smooth and even or do they have notched and |
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ColorDoes the lesion have one colour or a variety of colours? |
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DiameterIs the lesion smaller or larger than a pencil eraser which is |
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EvolvingAre there any changes in size, shape, colour, elevation or any other new |
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