Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. This is largely due to our climate. Additionally, the fact that many of us have fair skin that isn’t really suited to such harsh conditions, our proximity to the equator (high UV levels) and our social attitudes and love for the outdoors.
The main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
The good news is that when skin cancer is caught early, your doctor can treat it with little or no scarring. Often, your GP may even detect the growth at a precancerous stage. This is before it has become a full-blown skin cancer.
At Erskine Park Family Clinic, some of our GP’s have a special interest in skin cancer and have gone through additional training in this area. Our qualified GP’s will perform a detailed head-to-toe skin check using a specialist handheld device called a dermatoscope. Any irregular spots on the skin that may be of concern are identified and photographed using a dermatoscope adapted camera.
Please inform the receptionist that you are specifically booking in for a skin check. After the doctor has examined your skin he or she will discuss with you the most appropriate management plan.
For more information or queries, feel free to call us on (02) 9834 3038