Do You Underestimate Skin Cancer Risk?
Despite years of campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of skin cancer, it seems that too many people still underestimate the risks.
A study in Queensland Australia found that 1 in 4 people did not take full account of the risks of developing melanomas.
What’s more, it was those who were at the highest risk who were worst at predicting their chances of getting skin cancer.
The study was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. It was based on over 40,000 respondents, who were asked to self-assess the risk of melanoma as it applied to them.
Professor David Whiteman, Deputy Director of QIMR Berghofer who developed a risk assessment tool, said:
“We found almost a quarter of respondents underestimated their risk of melanoma by at least two levels.
“Only about 10% of the respondents overestimated their level of risk.”
While experts acknowledged that over half the population had an accurate understanding of their own risk, the 1 in 4 who underestimated the dangers was a great concern.
Why Early Detection Is Best
Being aware of the risks of melanoma and skin cancer is important. Those who understand the risks are more likely to seek attention for suspicious blemishes or skin lesions. They are also more likely to check their skin in order to spot any worrying signs.
Early detection of melanoma and skin cancer is key to the best outcomes. It means that blemishes can be removed quickly,thereby reducing the risk of any spread.
Many moles do turn out to be harmless, but for those that need attention, early action is always best.
Dr Ross Perry
Dr Perry is renowned as an expert in diagnosis and removal of all sorts of skin lesions. He is Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London Mole Removal Centre.
His career includes working in the NHS both in skin cancer reconstruction and as a GP, so he is experienced and expert in diagnosing skin lesions and providing the best possible advice/treatment. If there is any doubt that the lesion is cancerous, the company arrange testing (histology) to screen lesions as a precaution. The policy is to provide the best and most appropriate advice and service for each individual patient.
Private Mole Removal
The London Mole Removal Centre experts offer diagnosis and treatment for a range of other skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors or surgeons who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:
- No waiting lists
- Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
- Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
- No obligation to proceed unless and until both the patient and doctor are completely happy to do so
- Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
- Testing with report provided where necessary
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.
