Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is, unfortunately, on the rise all over the world and we in WA have one of the highest rates of both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Fortunately however, Australia’s excellent skin cancer screening programs give us some the best pick-up and cure rates anywhere in the world.
We know that skin cancers found and removed early are almost always curable. Early detection and treatment of skin cancers is my passion and I have dedicated a large part of my practice to ensuring I offer patients the best possible detection and treatment options.
I am an experienced member of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia, which is recognised as setting the benchmark for quality skin cancer care in Australia. I am trained in Dermoscopy and have access to the newest technology and equipment available, designed to detect very early skin cancers, even in the most challenging locations.
I provide:
- Full body skin checks with the ability to record and monitor images
- Skin cancer biopsy
- Skin cancer treatments, including: topical treatments, cryotherapy, diathermy and simple excisions, skin flaps and grafts as appropriate
Actinic Keratosis, a pre-cancerous condition
Also called solar keratosis, this common condition looks like inflamed patches of red or pink, flaky and irritated skin. It is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas and is often itchy, raised and sometimes painful.
The cause is principally UVB damage. This is not skin cancer but it is estimated that some 70% of this condition will progress to skin cancer. Patients with fewer lesions can be treated with cryotherapy, while many lesions might require a prescription cream. Face peels can also help reduce the number of lesions. Actinic keratosis can be prevented by using regular sunscreen.
Skin Cancers
Skin cancers, as mentioned above, are common and can be divided into the malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Malignant Melanoma
Although this is the rarest form of skin cancer, it is also the most dangerous and causes the most skin cancer-related deaths. This is because it can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal. It is the 4th most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, which, along with New Zealand, has the world’s highest rates. Men in Australia have a 1 in 14 chance of being diagnosed with a melanoma by age 85 and women a 1 in 24 chance. Sadly, it accounted for 1,467 deaths in Australia in 2014.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
The two most common non-melanoma skin cancers are Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas, which have very similar screening, risk factors and treatments.