Skin Cancer Clinic
Being located on the Sunshine Coast, we are big advocates of being sun-smart and at SunCoast Skin, we perform skin cancer checks if you have any concerns about your skin health.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year, skin cancer accounts for approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cases of cancer, with more than 2000 Australians dying of skin cancer annually. Statistically, 2 in 3 Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. (Source: Cancer Council)
Queenslanders are at particular risk of developing skin cancer, with the state having the highest rate of melanoma diagnosis in Australia.
Skin Checks at SunCoast Skin
Regular skin checks can help detect any changes to your skin and identify any potential areas of concern.
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A skin check is performed using a dermatoscope, an instrument equipped with both polarised and non-polarised light. This allows for magnification and identification of skin cancers based on specific features such as shape, size, colour, blood vessel arrangements, and distinct patterns.
To ensure the best results during your skin check, please attend your appointment without makeup, nail polish, or fake tan (applied at least two weeks before your appointment). This will help maximise our ability to identify any suspicious lesions.
Treatment Options
We offer surgical and non-surgical treatment options for skin cancers, including Photodynamic Therapy, topical immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Treatment programmes can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-surgical treatment for skin cancer. PDT involves using a red light, typically found in UV, along with a chemical that is absorbed by the cancerous skin. This combination reacts to the red light, leading to the destruction of the cancerous cells. PDT is commonly used to treat actinic keratoses (also known as sun spots, which are precancerous), superficial squamous cell carcinomas, and superficial basal cell carcinomas.
There are two methods of PDT: daylight PDT and red-light PDT. Daylight PDT is better suited for treating larger surface areas, such as the entire face, while red-light PDT is more effective for smaller surface areas.
Daylight PDT is primarily used to treat actinic keratoses. The procedure involves a short, half-hour appointment at the clinic. During this appointment, your face is prepared with light dermabrasion and cleansing, followed by the application of a UV-activated cream. Sunscreen is then applied to all other sun-exposed areas.
Afterwards, you are advised to sit in the early morning sun for 2 to 3 hours. Once this period is over, the cream is washed off. It is important to avoid sun exposure for 3 days after the treatment, as the cream remains sensitive to sunlight during this time.
The procedure is generally well tolerated, and most patients do not require any pain medication.
Red light PDT is used to treat small to medium-sized superficial squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas. For this treatment, you will need to visit the clinic, where a UV-activated cream is applied to the affected area, which is then covered to protect it from the sun. You may leave the clinic, provided you keep the treated area out of sunlight.
You will need to return to the clinic after 4 to 6 hours. At this point, the skin cancer is targeted with a red light for 8 minutes. A second treatment is scheduled 1 to 2 weeks later. Most patients experience slight discomfort during the procedure, so we recommend taking paracetamol beforehand.
You will be sent home with a care pack after the procedure with a 1 month review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Does Medicare cover skin checks?
Answer: Yes, you can receive a Medicare rebate for your skin check. You should receive a rebate of $42.85, while a skin check costs $130.
Question: How long does a skin check take?
Answer: A basic skin check takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
Question: How often should you get a skin check?
Answer: Generally, a skin check is recommended at least once a year, however, check with your doctor what interval is recommended for your skin.
Question: Do you offer photography?
Answer: Yes, we take photos of all lesions we excise, in addition to any lesions we want to monitor.
Question: Should I examine my skin between skin checks?
Answer: Yes! We recommend the ABDCE method for self-examination of your skin and any irregular spots or moles. This method teaches you to look out for the following:
A – asymmetry
B – border
C – colour
D – dimension
E – evolving
Question: What happens if you find a suspicious lesion?
Answer: If we identify a suspicious lesion, we will perform a biopsy, which is often done during the same appointment. However, if there are multiple lesions, we will schedule a separate appointment to ensure enough time for the procedure. The biopsy is a diagnostic tool, not a curative treatment. If the biopsy reveals a cancerous lesion, we will discuss your options, including both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Read more about our skin cancer surgery and repair here.
Question: What causes skin cancer?
Answer: Skin cancer can develop when skin cells are harmed by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In Australia, the leading cause of skin cancers, including melanoma, is exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Research has found that sun exposure is the cause of 95% of melanoma cases and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers across Australia. (Sources: Cancer Council; Cancer Australia)
Sunburn, tanning and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from artificial sources such as solariums can all increase your risk of skin cancer.Â
The three primary types of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Question: How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer?
Answer: You can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by engaging in sun-smart practices, such as wearing sunscreen when spending 10 minutes or more outside (including when you’re driving), reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours when swimming or sweating, and investing in SPF-rated hats and clothing. Skin checks can also identify any changes to your skin.
Question: Who gets skin cancer?
Answer: Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of age, gender, or skin tone. However, certain genetic and behavioural factors can increase the risk. For instance, individuals with lower melanin levels are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to those with higher melanin levels. People with brown, black, olive, or very dark skin tones generally have more protection against UV radiation due to their skin’s higher melanin content. Additional risk factors include a personal or family history of skin cancer, a weakened immune system, tanning, and prolonged sun exposure without adequate UV protection. (Source: Cancer Council).
Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Suncoast Skin can consult with you to confirm if a treatment/procedure is right for you.
References
Cancer Council, About Skin Cancer,
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer/, [Accessed 28 August 2024]
LaBerge GS, Duvall E, Grasmick Z, Haedicke K, Galan A, Leverett J, Baswan S, Yim S, Pawelek J. Recent Advances in Studies of Skin Color and Skin Cancer. Yale J Biol Med. 2020 Mar 27;93(1):69-80. PMID: 32226338; PMCID: PMC7087065.
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Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. SunCoast Skin can consult with you to confirm if a treatment/procedure is right for you.
References
Cancer Council, Turning the tide of skin cancer, https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/how-we-help/prevention/stories/turning-the-tide-of-skin-cancer, [Accessed 16 July 2024]
Cancer Council, Types of cancer – skin cancer, https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer, [Accessed 16 July 2024]
Cancer Australia, Position statements – Lifestyle risk factors – UV radiation, https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/resources/position-statements/lifestyle-risk-factors-and-primary-prevention-cancer/lifestyle-risk-factors/uv-radiation, [Accessed 16 July 2024]
Cancer Council, Skin cancer research fact sheet, https://publicfileshareprodst01.blob.core.windows.net/resources/21073_Research_factsheet_SkinCancer_FA.pdf, [Accessed 16 July 2024]
