Skin cancer champion
Make sure you get the spot checked by the GP early, or it may not turn out how you want it to.
Greg’s story
Ten years ago when he was in his mid-40’s, road safety advisor Greg noticed some growths on the top of this head. While he had a feeling something ‘wasn’t quite right’, he wasn’t too concerned and didn’t make an appointment with a GP until his wife insisted he get the spots checked out.
Greg’s GP decided to do a full check while he was there and found a few ‘suspect moles’. Over the next ten years, Greg has become vigilant and has experienced “the whole gamut”, having had many moles removed by cryotherapy (freezing cream) or surgery.
Reflecting, Greg realised his main barrier to visiting a GP was his own ‘I’ll be right’ attitude.
Greg’s advice
‘If you notice an unusual skin spot, get it checked out. Just to be sure’.
‘Make sure you get the spot checked by the GP early, or it may not turn out how you want it to’.
‘Be sensible. Do what you can for skin cancer prevention, cover up and wear long sleeves. It’s really simple’.
‘Some moles turn up in places you wouldn’t think or can’t see’.
Checking your own skin
Skin cancers can grow quickly, so it’s important to become familiar with your own skin (including skin not normally exposed to the sun) through regular self-checks. Find out the steps and some examples of what to look for.
Consult a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any new or changed spots, moles or freckles. Changes to look out for include shape, colour or size.
