New data from the 2022 Summer Sun Protection Survey (Life in Australia™) showed that only 19% of Victorian men surveyed had checked their own skin in the past year.
Yarrawonga Medical Clinic General Practioner Clyde Ronan said that attendance to the local skin cancer has declined since covid with this an issue of concern as melanoma numbers continue to increase.
“Less men are coming in to get their skin checked. Men are poor attendees also to the GP whereas women have always been better at attending when they believe there is an issue. Why is that? I do not know,” Dr Ronan said.
“However, our numbers overall are low at the skin cancer clinic. It isn’t as busy as it should be and it is easy to get to.
“We are not seeing any period of enlightenment at the skin clinic. After the period of gloom that was covid, we haven’t seen numbers really reemerge.
“With Dr Ayon Guha also joining our practice recently and having a keen interest in skin cancer similarly we have plenty of experience with assisting with any skin worries.
“Low attendance numbers are an issue as the biggest concern in skin cancer is still melanomas.
“A melanoma is a deadly diagnosis.
“Skin checks are timely. Care for skin should come before attendance to the clinic.”
Health experts warn that without men checking their skin for changes, dangerous skin cancers like melanoma can go unnoticed. The 2021 Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) reported over 2,800 melanomas diagnosed were in 2021, with over 58% (1,650) diagnosed in men.
The Victorian Cancer Registry has also found melanoma was estimated to be the second highest missed form of cancer, following the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is of value to outdoor workers to set the standard for early care for your skin,” Dr Ronan said.
“Melanoma can spread throughout the body, faster than people would think, so the earlier this type of cancer is found, the better chances are of treating it.
“The biggest preventative is the avoidance of unnecessary sun exposure and UV light.
“It is all about education then early protection.
“Many people come in and say they are here for their annual check up but we don’t really have that. We should always be examining our skin and coming in for checks when we are unsure about something.
“My biggest piece of advice is to examine your own skin. All you need is a mirror and a good light.
“People need to be mindful. We should devote to protection and self-examination.
“Attendance at the GP also needs to be better.”
This urgent reminder from Cancer Council Victoria is part of SunSmart Victoria’s latest ‘Save your skin” campaign, funded by the Victorian Department of Health, which aims to heighten awareness and empower Victorians to take charge of their skin’s health.
“People should have more confidence in approaching GPs about skin problems. GPs can remove more common types of skin cancers or refer to other GPs or specialists if they are of concern,” Dr Ronan said.
“For anyone that notices changes to their skin like new spots, changes in colour size or appearance, the first step is to call the practice and book an appointment.
“My clinics are consulting clinics. If I find something suspicious, I will perform a small procedure or can refer you on.
“We need to be more mindful of our bodies including differences in our skin as well as being vigilant with the preventatives to ensure we are not presenting at the clinic when it is too late.”
Victorian Dermatologist Dr Edward Upjohn from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has been working in this space for over 15 years and provides specialist training to general practitioners (GPs) to identify and diagnose skin cancer.
“I know that general practice and family doctors have skin cancer on their radar and want to support their patients to find this type of cancer early,” Dr Upjohn said.
“In men, melanoma is more commonly found on their back and other parts of their trunk which requires people to proactively check that area using a mirror or getting a partner or friend to check.
“It is vital we find the missed melanomas following the pandemic and continue to build everyone’s knowledge of how to check your skin for cancer signs to save more lives.”
If you have noticed something different about your skin contact the Yarrawonga Medical Clinic on 5744 3115 to book an appointment at the skin clinic.
Alternatively, book an appointment with your GP who will be able to assist with minor skin problems.
If you would like to learn more about how to check your skin for skin cancer or for sun protection advice visit www.sunsmart.com.au/about-sunsmart/media-and-communications/sunsmartcampaigns/save-your-skin.
