Skin Cancer & Melanoma Detection
Protect Your Health with Early Detection and Expert Care
We understand that hearing the words “skin cancer” can feel frightening, but you’re not alone. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers—especially when detected early. Dr Matulich and her compassionate team are here to support you with thorough, proactive skin checks and personalised care to help keep your skin healthy. Our goal is to make the process as comfortable and reassuring as possible, so you can feel confident in taking steps to protect yourself and your skin.
- Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long sleeves, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses when spending time outside.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Know Your Skin Type: People with fair skin, freckles, and light eyes may be more susceptible to sun damage, so extra caution is advised.
Practice Regular Skin Checks: Monitor your skin monthly for any new or changing spots, moles, or lesions, and schedule professional checks annually.
The ABCDE guide is a simple way to assess moles and other skin lesions for signs of melanoma. Look for these indicators during skin checks:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- C – Colour: Uneven colouring, with shades of black, brown, or other colours.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or colour, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Performing monthly skin self-exams can help you spot potential issues early. Here’s a simple guide to follow at home:
- Examine Your Face and Scalp
- Inspect Your Upper Body
- Check Your Arms and Hands
- Look at Your Legs and Feet
- Use a Mirror for Hard-to-See Areas
If you notice any new or changing moles or lesions, contact Dr Matulich Dermatology for a professional evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Annual skin checks are recommended, though individuals at higher risk may benefit from more frequent visits.
While not all cases are preventable, reducing UV exposure and practicing sun safety can significantly lower the risk.
A dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe, using tools like a dermatoscope to closely inspect any suspicious spots or moles.
Fair skin, excessive sun exposure, a history of sunburns, family history of skin cancer, and use of tanning beds all increase skin cancer risk.
A mole may be suspicious if it shows any of the ABCDE signs: asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colours, a diameter larger than 6mm, or recent changes in size, shape, or colour. If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to have it evaluated by a dermatologist to ensure peace of mind.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the most common types of skin cancer.
While UV exposure is a major risk factor, skin cancer can also develop in areas not exposed to the sun due to genetic factors.
Treatments vary based on the type and stage of skin cancer and may include surgical removal, cryotherapy, and topical or oral medications.
No, skin cancer can affect individuals of any age, though it is more common in adults with significant sun exposure.
Schedule a skin check with a dermatologist immediately. Early evaluation and detection are essential for effective treatment.