Skin Cancer Clinic Perth
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in Australia. The incidence rate is two to three times higher than in Canada, the US, and the UK. Cancer Australia estimates that, by 2025, a person has a 1 in 19 (or 5.4%) risk of being diagnosed with melanoma of the skin by the age of 85. This risk is slightly higher for men at 1 in 16 (6.4%), compared to 1 in 23 (4.4%) for women.
Understanding the serious nature of skin cancer means that early detection is critical. With our compassionate and skilled doctors providing thorough skin cancer checks and screenings in Perth, it couldn’t be simpler to keep your skin healthy.
Don’t wait – book an appointment at our skin cancer clinic in Perth today.
Types of Skin Cancer
Learning more about the different types of skin cancer and their warning signs can help protect you and your family. There are three main types of skin cancer:
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can become life-threatening if left untreated. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is usually the cause of melanomas, especially if it has led to severe sunburn. It can be treated effectively when detected in its earliest stages.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, back, and shoulders. Basal cell carcinomas can still occur in areas not exposed to sunlight and can affect people of all ages, even teenagers.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This is another common form of skin cancer that develops in the outer layers of the skin and is usually treatable. These skin cancers usually develop on the head, neck, forearms, or hands because of long-term ultraviolet light exposure.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but frequent sun exposure dramatically increases the risk. The good news is that most cases are highly curable when detected early. That’s why we recommend booking an annual skin cancer check and screening at our Perth clinic.
Regular self-checks are also a vital part of early detection. When checking your body for skin cancer, remember the melanoma ABCDE’s:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- Border: Irregular, jagged, or poorly defined edges.
- Colour: Uneven colour, with shades of brown, black, red, blue, or white.
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), though some can be smaller.
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, colour, or elevation.
If you notice any unusual spots on your skin, act immediately. Contact us on (08) 9228 8339 or book an appointment online at our skin cancer clinic in Perth.
Skin Cancer FAQs
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says that while melanoma of the skin incidence rates have been increasing for older ages, it has been decreasing for younger people. The reasons for this include successful skin cancer awareness and prevention campaigns (remember to Slip, Slop, Slap!).
Here are a few ways to help prevent skin cancer:
- Use Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 50+ on exposed skin every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply regularly.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses when you’re outdoors.
- Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade during peak sun hours.
- Avoid Tanning: Seeking a tan may be trendy, but UV radiation from the sun is incredibly harmful and increases your risk of skin cancer.
- Regular Skin Checks: Perform monthly self-examinations to identify any new or changing moles, and schedule annual professional skin checks – book your appointment online.
A skin biopsy is a minor procedure where a small sample of skin tissue is taken for testing to determine if it contains cancer cells. This is done under local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort and involves your doctor using a specialised tool to gently remove a sample from the suspicious area. The procedure is quick, often completed within a few minutes, and typically includes aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Skin cancer excision is a procedure where your doctor removes the cancerous tissue along with some surrounding healthy skin to ensure that no cancer cells remain. This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic, and the excised area is then closed with stitches. Post-procedure, you will be given care instructions to promote healing and minimise scarring.
Yes, non-surgical treatments for skin cancer are available Northbridge Medical Centre, although it depends on the type and stage of the cancer. These treatments may include topical medications that are applied to the skin, cryotherapy, or photodynamic therapy, which uses light in combination with a photosensitising agent to destroy cancerous cells. Consultations are essential to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you and your diagnosis.
