
Skin Cancer, Preventative Tips
Above: if left untreated melanoma can enter the bloodstream and lymphatic tract
The latest statistics show that over 2,500 New Zealanders are diagnosed with melanoma every year – that’s around 7 people a day(1). What’s more, over 350 New Zealanders die from melanoma each year.(2)
Yet, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are in fact many early warning signs for melanoma and other skin cancers – and if detected early enough, melanoma is almost always treatable. However, if it’s left undetected, it can spread rapidly and become life threatening.
That’s why we recommend checking your skin yourself regularly (or ask your GP to check it for you) at least every three to six months, and having a full body check by skin cancer detection experts every year.
We’ve compiled 11 symptoms of potential skin cancers that you should never ignore. If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, it’s essential to get them checked by an expert as soon as possible.
Above: Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas
Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common kinds of skin cancer (also known as non-melanoma skin cancer). Typically they’re slow growing and do not always spread to other parts of the body. While they can be unsightly, they’re generally nothing to worry about and can often be removed.
Both basal and squamous cell cancers are found mainly on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun — the head, face, neck, hands and arms - but remember that skin cancer can occur anywhere.
Above: Squamous cell carcinoma
What to look for - basal and squamous cell carcinoma:
Above: Early melanoma can be very difficult to detect with an untrained eye
Melanoma: not so easy to spot
Melanoma can be very difficult to detect with an untrained eye as it can appear in many different forms. What’s more, it’s fast growing and potentially life-threatening, so it’s essential to have your skin checked regularly – especially if you’re considered moderate to high risk (if you’re not sure, take our quick risk quiz).
What to look for:
Two good ‘rules of thumb’ to remember when looking for melanoma are the A,B,C,D,E rule and the E,F,G rule. Check them out here.
Above: Superficial spreading melanoma - an example of the many forms in which melanoma can show itself
Other less common skin cancers
Other, lesser-known skin cancers include Merkel cell carcinomas, sebaceous gland carcinomas and Kaposi Sarcoma.
Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare, highly malignant skin cancer, which most commonly occurs in the eyelid, or other areas of the head and neck. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, again, often on the face, head or neck. It most often develops in older people or those with long-term sun exposure or a weak immune system.
Kaposi Sarcoma is a rare skin cancer found predominately in men and those with weakened immunity that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, in lymph nodes, or in other organs. While all of these are fairly rare, if you have any concerns, see your GP or MoleMap to get it checked as soon as you can.
Your skin is constantly changing
Even if you’ve been checked recently, keep checking it from head to toe - or ask someone to check it for you. A good way to remember is to check your skin at the start of each season (i.e. every 3 months).
If you notice any of the 11 symptoms listed above or if you have a lot of moles, a personal and/or family history of skin cancer, or an outdoors lifestyle, don’t delay - call us on 0800 665 362.
Skin cancer can develop in anyone, but some people are more likely to get skin cancer or to have more serious forms of cancer, such as melanoma. This depends on a number of factors including your skin colour, age, lifestyle, number of sunburns, or personal or family history of skin cancer. You can check your personal skin cancer risk factor here.
If your risk level is moderate to high, we recommend a Full Body MoleMap, every year, which includes total body photography and skin mapping over time.
If you’re low risk or have a few moles that concern you, then a thorough, head-to-toe skin check may suit you.
If you’re not sure which service is right for you, call our helpful team on 0800 665 362. And if you see any of the 11 symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to book an appointment straight away.
1. https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/selected-cancers-2015-2016-2017 2. https://www.melanoma.org.nz/be-informed/understanding
Note: This quick questionnaire is designed to give you an idea of your personal skin cancer risk factors.
It isn’t intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis – please contact us if you have any questions about your skin cancer risk.
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