Routine skin examinations you can do yourself every three months. Keep a record of the dates you check your skin and make notes about anything you’re keeping an eye on. If you are concerned about anything you should get your skin examined by your Doctor.
There is no ‘hard rule’ as to how often you should have a skin check. If you are are red headed, freckled house roofer whose hobby is fishing then your risk is a lot more than an olive skinned, dark haired office worker who enjoys movies. Both can develop skin cancer but exposure and genetic pre-disposition have a significant impact.
The best way to lower your risk of skin cancer is simple: spend less time in the sun.
You can:
* Plan to be indoors or under cover when the sun is strongest (11am -3pm during daylight saving and 10am – 2pm at other times)
* Cover up with a broad brimmed or legionnaires’ hat and clothes with sleeves and a collar, trousers, long shorts or skirt below the knee.
* Use a broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen – 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours
* Wear sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS1067 and fit close to the face.
See you Doctor for a routine skin check and discuss self check recommendations with them.
