Education
Education is paramount in the fight to reduce deaths from skin cancer in New Zealand. It is widely accepted amongst world skin experts that self-monitoring is key to the early detection of melanomas.
At MoleTrac we will discuss with you how to effectively self-examine your skin between visits and how to reduce the risk of skin cancer for you and your family. In addition, we provide you with a CD of your Body Map images to make self-examinations easier and more accurate. This CD can be used on a personal computer to compare your moles with the images and track changes over time.
If you do notice any changes to your skin that concern you, call your nearest MoleTrac clinic or visit your GP or Dermatologist.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer as it may be fast growing and can spread to other parts of the body. If melanoma is detected and treated in its early stages, the chances of recovery are much better than if left to grow deeper and allowed to metastisise.
Melanoma occurs in the melanocytes, or pigment cells, within the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. The melanocytes produce melanin to colour the skin and protect the deeper layers from ultraviolet light. When exposed to ultraviolet light, such as sun light, the melanocytes produce melanin, which tans the skin. If exposed to too much UV light, the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and form a cancerous tumour.
If the melanoma is left undetected this tumour can grow down into the lower layers of tissue and from there spread to other parts of the body where it forms secondary tumours.
The Six Signs of Melanoma
MoleTrac utilises a new melanoma detection technology and imaging system that makes melanoma diagnosis accurate, instant and easy.
A sudden or continuous change in any of your moles is a sign that you should visit MoleTrac or see your doctor. The ABCDEF rule can help you remember the symptoms of melanoma:
ASYMMETRY
Most early melanomas are asymmetrical in shape: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.
BORDER
The borders of early melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or rough edges. Common moles have smoother, more even borders.
COLOR
Common moles usually are a single shade of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan or black are often a first sign of melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colours red, white and blue may appear.
DIAMETER
Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles – generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm or 1/4” in diameter).
EVOLUTION
Any mole that changes over time should be removed.
FREQUENCY
If a mole is frequently itching, bleeding, scabbing or tingling it should be examined.
How to stay Safe
Protection from UV rays needs to be done by people of all ages. Although melanoma is far more common in adults, it has been shown that sunburn as a child can greatly enhance the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
The University of Otago did a study that identified avoiding excessive sun exposure and early diagnosis as the best ways to reduce the incidence of melanoma in New Zealand.
Therefore it is important to combine your visit to MoleTrac with sun smart behaviour.
Some helpful tips to stay safe in the sun:
Always wear sun screen on exposed skin. Factor 30+ protects you from both UV A and UV B rays so is the most effective. Apply sunscreen thickly and regularly.
Try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 11am-4pm. If you are heading out then take some form of shade; umbrella, play tent.
Always wear a hat and try to keep shoulders covered by a shirt.
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Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, this is especially important when around water due to reflection of the suns rays.
Useful Links
Below are links to websites that provide further information on melanoma and other skin cancers.
