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Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer globally. In Australia, skin cancer rates are rising along with intense heat and sun exposure. As per experts like SunDoctors Australia, detecting skin abnormalities early plays a crucial role in effective treatment and positive outcomes for this curable disease. Read on to understand why regular skin check and diagnosis make a life-saving difference.

Know Your Skin to Spot Changes Quickly  

Checking your own skin helps notice strange moles or spots appearing suddenly. Learn where existing moles and marks are to recognize variations indicating trouble. Conduct self-screening every month, especially after intense sun exposure that heightens risk. Use mirrors to scan hard-to-see areas or ask someone to help inspect the back. Clicking photos of skin periodically also assists in comparing changes over time. Familiarizing yourself with all skin tones and textures helps discern the abnormal more swiftly.  

Early Detection Improves Treatment Success 

Catching development of malignant cells early when they occupy only the outermost skin layer improves cure chances before deep infiltration. Initially melanoma has nearly a 100% survival rate if identified fast and removed promptly through surgery. But invasive advanced disease with critical internal spread drops survival odds to 25% or lower. Regular self-screening facilitates diagnosing early-stage skin cancer – and best opportunity for treatment success. Apart from self-checks, high-risk groups should take annual skin screening tests proactively.

Photo by Gustavo Fring: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-getting-a-check-up-3985305/

Prevents Lesion Progression   

Even with non-melanoma cancers like squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma, early detection stops further lesion progression when still localized on top skin layers. Smaller surface lesions are simpler to treat through cryosurgery, laser therapy, ointments or minor excision that limit tissue damage rather than complex skin grafts or flaps needed later. Plus, visible pre-cancerous lesions may transition into invasive cancer without removal. So never postpone getting skin irregularities evaluated, even if they seem mild presently. Catching concerns marks early curbs advancement into worrisome stages.  

Better Prognosis with Early Diagnosis

Diagnosing skin cancer like melanoma in initial phases (Stage 0 or 1) indicates cancer cells are limited to skin’s outermost barrier, epidermis. Chances of survival are extremely high (over 90%) via surgery without needing chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Later diagnosis from neglecting odd lumps/rashes can enable melanoma or others like squamous cell cancer to infiltrate deeper dermal layers (stage 2-3). Aggressive metastasis also grows lethal over time. Treatment complexity and associated risks heighten for advanced cancer, causing poorer recovery outcomes. Hence, doctors emphasize diagnosing from first suspicious changes for best prognosis.  

Conclusion  

Being alert and getting skin abnormalities examined quickly improves cancer survival odds and wellbeing considerably. Self-screening monthly alongside annual checkups aids early detection alongside knowing your skin type and changes. Don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist and get biopsies for diagnosis promptly on noticing odd marks or growths. Catching superficial lesions early limits invasive risks and eases treatment via minor procedures. Skin cancer halted in initial stages saves life, appearance and health - so prioritize speaking to your doctor when first unsure about new skin changes. Early identification and diagnosis makes all the difference.