Wednesday, May 5
Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians (15 - 39 year olds), but incidence for people over 60 is high and increasing. If detected early, 90% of Melanoma cases can be successfully treated with surgery.
Cancer Australia has reported that since the onset of Covid-19, there were 3036 fewer surgeries performed and therefore, 3036 fewer melanomas went undiagnosed. Prof Mark Smithers AM, states that “... surgical removal of early-stage melanoma is the most effective way to remove melanomas and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading.”
Dr Eddie Cheng works closely with Dermatologists and GPs who are on the frontline of Melanoma diagnosis and detection and when it comes to surgery, Specialist Plastic Surgeons are highly trained and expert in definitive surgical excision of melanomas along with the repair and reconstruction of the excision area.
What can you do to help find the missing melanomas?
Join the hunt and get involved in finding the undiagnosed Melanomas. You can do this by:- incorporating regular skin checks into your monthly care routine and your new normal
- get checked by a dermatologist or GP if you notice something different or unsual
- booking your annual skin check with your dermatologist or GP
- sharing the finder guide below with at least 6 family and friends
How can I check my skin at home?
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Download the Finders Guide for visual tips and simple steps to follow
- Familiarise yourself with the early warning signs of melanoma. The ABCD&E of Melanoma is a quick visual guide to help you detect signs of melanoma early.
- Follow the 7 step process for conducting a full-body skin exam.
- Share the Finder’s guide with at least 6 others.
Apps and videos to help with your monthly skin checks
You might prefer to download apps and videos to help you with your monthly skin checks at home. Here are a couple of options you the Melanoma Patients Australia website recommends:
1. A voice-activated digital assistant ‘Skin Check’ app on Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant platform, the app guides people through what to look for, and the seven steps for conducting a full-body skin exam. The assistant finishes by offering to set a recurring monthly reminder for the exam. To use the Alexa app, it should first be enabled by following the skin check app link and then simply say “Alexa, open Skin Check”. To use the Google App, just say “Hey Google, talk to Skin Check”.
2. A skin self-examination video covers the ABCD&E warning signs of melanoma and the seven steps for checking the body. Find a comfortable area in the bathroom, with a mirror and follow the visual and verbal cues to check your own skin. Click here for the self-examination video
Further information and resources can be found via Melanoma Patients Australia and of course in addition to your own monthly checks, Dr Eddie Cheng always recommends annual skin checks with your dermatologist and/or GP. If you find anything different or unusual consult with your GP and/or dermatologist without delay. Remember early detection is your best chance.
Visual Guides and Resources 
Dr Eddie Cheng is a board certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Brisbane, Australia. Socialise with us @arplasticsurgery to learn more about Dr Eddie Cheng and our Team.