What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the pigment producing cells of the skin. It is the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, largely due to high UV exposure and our outdoor lifestyle.
Why this matters more than you think?
Melanoma is not just something that affects older people.I t is one of the most common cancers in Australians aged 20 to 39.
The good news:
When melanoma is found early, outcomes are very good. Most skin cancers can be successfully treated when detected early, which is why skin checks are so important.
It’s important to see your GP if you notice:
• A new mole or spot
• A spot that has changed in size, shape, or colour
• Anything that looks different from your other moles
• A lesion that doesn’t heal
Even subtle changes are worth checking.
Why regular skin checks matter:
Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, even in areas that don’t get much sun. You might not notice changes yourself, especially on your back, scalp, or behind your legs.
A skin check allows a trained clinician to assess your skin thoroughly and pick up anything early, often before symptoms appear.
The takeaway.
Life gets busy. It’s easy to put things like a skin check off. But melanoma doesn’t wait. A simple appointment could make a life changing difference 💕
