Source: Melanoma New Zealand
People living in regional centres around New Zealand can have a free skin cancer spot check by a Melanoma New Zealand Nurse Educator as part of Melanoma Awareness Month this October.
Melanoma New Zealand is a charity that champions melanoma prevention, detection and patient care, as well as supporting melanoma patients and their families. Chief Executive Andrea Newland says skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in this country with 8 out of every 10 cancers being diagnosed as skin cancer.
“More than 7000 melanomas- are diagnosed in New Zealand annually and over 300 New Zealanders die from melanoma each year (we have the highest death rate from melanoma in the world). But melanoma can be preventable, and if detected and treated early enough, is almost always curable. We are aiming to conduct 1500 spot checks this month alone, across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
“It is essential for New Zealanders to develop good sun smart habits from an early age. As you get older, the build-up of UV exposure over your lifetime leads to damaged skin and an increased likelihood of melanoma. Plus, it should be part of a regular health routine to check your own skin regularly so you will be aware of any changes.
“Look for a spot, freckle or mole that is new or that has changed in colour, shape, or size, looks different from others (an ‘ugly duckling’), is sore, itchy or bleeds, or is firm, growing or becomes raised quickly. If you have a spot, freckle or mole you are concerned about, you should see a GP, nurse, dermatologist, surgeon or plastic surgeon without delay.”
Melanoma New Zealand’s experienced Nurse Educators will offer free spot checks, as well as provide education and take-home material on how to self-check, and the benefits of early detection and prevention. You don’t need an appointment – spot checks are on a first come, first served basis in a private and friendly setting.
The nurse looks at skin with a dermatoscope (a skin surface microscope) – so it’s easy and doesn’t hurt. More often than not, the nurse is able to reassure people there is nothing to worry about, but she also does sometimes find some spots of concern (such as a suspected melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma) – and so she will guide a person what to do next about that.
The spot check drives are being run in partnership with Melanoma New Zealand sponsor La Roche-Posay, as part of their campaign “Your Skin Remembers’’, which shares the impactful message that harmful UV exposure adds up over time. La Roche-Posay will be providing free Anthelios sunscreen samples at the spot check events.
Pop up stand locations – all stands are open 10am – 4pm
4-6 October: Westfield Newmarket
11 October: Westfield Manukau
12 October: Westfield St Lukes
13 October: Westfield Albany
4-6 October: Chemist Warehouse – The Base
11-13 October: Chemist Warehouse Bethlehem
Christchurch
18-20 October: Westfield Riccarton 3 18th-20th
Wellington
25-27 October: Chemist Warehouse Lambton Quay
25-27 October: Chemist Warehouse Meridian Mall
-Types of melanomas
● Melanoma in situ means an early form of melanoma, where the tumour is confined to the epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer).
● Invasive melanoma is a tumour that has spread into the dermis (the inner layer of the skin).
● Metastatic melanoma is if a tumour has spread to other tissues in the body.
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PREVENTION: Making good choices in the sun – graphic also available
Slip – cover up with long-sleeved shirts with collars, as well as long pants, skirts or lavalava. You can look out for clothing that uses UV protective fabrics, known as UltraViolet Protection Factor or UPF.
Slop – slop on some broad-spectrum sunscreen, that is at least SPF 30 which protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant. Remember to apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours with a two-coat approach.
Slap – slap on a hat with a wide brim or flaps covering the ears and neck. Caps and visors leave large parts of the face, neck and ears exposed to UV radiation.
Seek – seek shade, particularly from September to April, and especially between 10am and 4pm. Schedule outdoor activities for times of the day with the least UV radiation. Leafy trees, buildings, shade sails, large umbrellas and portable sunshades all provide shade from the sun.
Slide – slide on some close-fitting sunglasses – wrap-around style sunglasses are best for protecting eyes from harmful UVR. Not all sunglasses protect from UV radiation – always check the label for sunglasses that comply with the Australian standard AS 1067:2016.
EARLY DETECTION: A-G guide – graphic available
Early detection of skin cancer can lead to earlier and more effective treatment. If left untreated, melanoma can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.Check your skin regularly so you will be aware of any changes. Check your entire body, including skin not normally exposed to the sun, along with the soles of your feet and under your toenails. Ask someone else to check difficult-to-see areas like the back, neck and scalp.
Melanomas can often be detected using this A-G guide, although not all melanoma lesions show these characteristics.
● Asymmetry – is one side different in shape or colour?
● Is the border notched, uneven or blurred?
● Are the colours uneven or are there different shades of colours (such as brown, tan, black – or even white, grey, red, pink or blue?)
● Is the lesion different – does it stand out from other moles (this is also known as the ‘ugly duckling’)?
● Is it evolving – is it new, elevated, painful or non-healing?
● Is it firm or raised to touch?
● And is it growing or more than 6mm (which is about the diameter of a pencil)?
If you have a spot, freckle or mole you are concerned about, you should see a GP, nurse, dermatologist, surgeon or plastic surgeon without delay.Have regular full body skin checks by a health professional, particularly if you’re at higher risk.For more information, visit www.melanoma.org.nz/early-detection
RISK FACTORS
Anyone in New Zealand can develop skin cancer though it is most common in people with the fairest skin types.
The main risk factor for skin cancer is regular unprotected sun exposure.Other factors that may contribute to skin cancer, including melanoma, include:
● family or personal history of skin cancer
● fair skin
● red, blonde or fair hair
● skin type that burns easily
● skin damage due to sunburn
● sunbed use
● many moles and larger moles
● immunosuppression
Māori and Pacific people have a much lower chance of developing melanoma, but often have more serious melanomas. It is skin type, not ethnicity that predicts risk.
