Skin cancer is one of the most common diseases among Australians. Not only does it impose a significant health weight down but also a financial burden upon the Australian population as well as the healthcare system. This is why there is a constant need for development in detecting early cancer to help with diagnoses in Dee Why based skin cancer clinics.
Currently, melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas are diagnosed opportunistically, either during a routine skin check or when a practitioner unintentionally notices a lesion.
The current unstructured approach to skin cancer early detection has been linked to several issues, including variable quality of care, sociodemographic disparities in medical access and health outcomes, excision of several benign lesions, overdiagnosis, gaps in workforce preparation, and ineffectiveness of the health system.
In Australia, there has also been a resurgence in interest in melanoma screening due to changes in the early diagnosis of skin cancer. These adjustments include rising adjuvant therapy costs for the health system, improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) and diagnostic technology, accessibility to validated risk stratification tools, and consumer-driven digital technologies.
What will be the Future of Skin Cancer Detection in Australia?
The Melanoma Screening Summit found that more research, including comparisons of the advantages, disadvantages, and cost-effectiveness of various strategies, would be necessary before switching from the current unstructured, opportunistic approach to skin cancer early detection to a structured population-based or targeted screening programme.
The World Health Organization-based Australian Population-Based Screening Framework describes the standards by which structured population-based screening programmes are evaluated and clarifies that it is not intended to address targeted testing of high-risk groups. It outlines the requirement for a solid evidence foundation, including proof of the screening test’s accuracy, repeatability, and safety as well as the treatment’s efficacy. Additionally, it emphasises that a screening programme must help the target group more than it hurts them.
A more structured approach to risk assessment for skin cancer using online risk calculators and invitations to screen, consumer-driven melanoma surveillance, and new technologies for lesion diagnosis and monitoring could all be part of the future of skin cancer early detection in Australia and around the world. Multiple research initiatives are producing high-quality study evidence, which is necessary to support any adjustments to practise and policy in the early diagnosis of skin cancer.
Why Early Detection For Skin Cancer Is Important?
Early detection is key to reducing the effects of skin cancer because morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs are all highly correlated with the disease stage at diagnosis.
If you come across any changes on your skin or mole, it is best to consult a professional who can help you detect early signs of melanoma or non-melanoma cancer. This will help treat the condition and incur a less medical cost.
How Can You Detect Skin Cancer at an Early Stage?
Check your skin every month
Understand the symptoms of skin cancer and know what to check for when performing a self-exam. Consult your dermatologist as soon as you notice anything that doesn’t seem quite right.
Visit your dermatologist annually
Get a professional, full-body skin exam once a year, or more frequently if your risk of developing skin cancer is higher. A professional can do check-ups and closely examine your skin for any changes. Beaches Medical & Cosmetic Clinic is a Dee Why Family Medical Practise who have experienced and reliable doctors to assist you and examine your skin for any potential skin cancer. We help you understand the effects of skin cancer and provide you with the best healthcare solution for the same.
Visit Beaches Medical and Cosmetics Clinic
If you are concerned about your changing skin conditions or want to determine early skin cancer signs, book an appointment with our professional doctors. Furthermore, we can also consult you if you are looking for a women’s or men’s health clinic. To know more, call us on 02 8093 2660 or book an appointment through our website.