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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve all heard of cancer, but what is it?<\/em> First, we need to know what cancer is. Cancer is a disease that affects your body\u2019s cells. In some cases, your cells will become abnormal and will not stop growing and dividing. These cells can form a bigger mass, referred to as a tumour. This can happen to any of your body\u2019s tissue cells, and so cancer is used as a general term to refer to many different diseases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cancer is dangerous and can lead to death because it stops your organs from working. Cancerous cells from a tumour can break off and circulate around your body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels that regulate excess fluid. This causes secondary cancers (metastasis) that can affect vital organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin cancer happens when your skin cells get damaged. This happens when your skin has too much ultraviolet UV radiation. Things like sunburn, tanning and using solariums are the main causes of this excess UV radiation. According to Cancer Council Australia, sun exposure is the most common cause of skin cancer<\/a>. Prevent this by using sunscreen, staying in the shade, not being exposed to the sun for long periods, and wearing protective clothing like hats and long-sleeved shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melanoma is very fast-spreading<\/em> The first reason to get your skin checked is the speed of growth. When they\u2019re left undiagnosed and untreated, skin cancer can become fatal in a matter of weeks. The one to look out for when getting your skin checked is melanoma. If you are diagnosed with melanoma, there is a high chance that it will not be treatable if it\u2019s not caught early. Melanoma can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks<\/a>, and can be found on areas of your body that are not normally exposed to the sun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Melanoma is able to spread at a fast rate because it is able to survive in our bloodstream. Studies<\/a> have shown that the chemical lactate reacts with melanoma cancer cells to create antioxidants that the cells can feed on. Most other cancer cells oxidise once they\u2019re in our bloodstream and die off before they can spread to other parts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Age, as well as fair skin are factors that increase the risk of skin cancer<\/em> There\u2019s a few things that increase your risk of getting skin cancer. The first is your genetics. Your genetics put you at higher risk if you\u2019re someone that has light or fair skin<\/a> that doesn\u2019t tan or has freckles. Moreover, family history also means you\u2019re at higher risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Working outdoors will make you exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, making your chances of getting skin cancer higher. Remember to use sun protection like sunscreen and protective clothing when doing outdoor work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a tan seems harmless to most people, but this isn\u2019t true. When you are getting a tan, you expose yourself to lots of UV radiation, which gives you a high chance of skin cell damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A final major reason that puts you at risk is your age. The older you get, the higher the chance that you could get it, increasing your need to get your skin checked regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunburn is a major sign of cancer susceptibility<\/em> Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia<\/a>. Due to our location being close to the equator, Australia has a higher level of UV radiation than other countries. A second reason is the genetics of our population, being majority fair-skinned Europeans whose bodies have not had time to adjust to the climate. And to add onto this general sun overexposure is our culture of doing outdoor activities like going to the beach, exploring the bush, as well as outdoor sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia, it\u2019s not the most lethal. In fact, 95% of cases are treatable, and even for melanoma, there is a 86% survivability rate for men and 92% for women<\/a> 5 years after diagnosis. Early detection after getting your skin checked will give you a higher chance of treatment that doesn\u2019t involve surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s simple and effective to get your skin checked<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin cancer is diagnosed through the shape, colour and size of moles and dark spots in your skin. You can either get specific spots checked out by a doctor or have a full body examination. We recommend getting your skin checked with a full body examination, as there can be dark spots or moles in areas that go unnoticed. A doctor can diagnose you through a skin biopsy if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speak to your doctor or skin specialist today about your concerns<\/em> All those reasons, from having matching risk factors to how easy it is to get checked are why you should get your skin checked. Therefore it\u2018s recommended that people who are high risk get checked once a year. Your skin specialist will also be able to teach you how to check your skin yourself if you have a new bump or dark spot. If you have low-risk factors, this may be all you need to keep an eye on your skin health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are 3 main types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why You Need To Get Your Skin Checked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It Can Take Hold In Weeks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nRisk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s The Most Diagnosed Cancer In Australia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nEffective Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Quick And Easy To Get Checked<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t Wait, Go And Get Checked!
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