Those of you who've met me know I'm covered in freckles and moles, so I thought I'd book into the skin clinic for a checkup. They're so proactive with this sort of thing here - via Marion skin clinic with bulk billing, it's totally free if you're on Medicare.

What the doctor told me is that she has never yet found a problem with any mole a patient has had worries about - but often finds one that would never have warranted a 2nd glance from anyone not experienced in the matter. This is what happened to me so she's checking on one for me - did a biopsy there and then. Eveything's so instant, no messing around with 'come back later, just make an appointment on your way out....'.

She told me how the very worst one she ever found was one that not even she thought was a problem - on a teenage lad, but since it was unsightly his grandmother insisted it was removed. It turned out to be a type that would have been fatal within a year...

Basically she presses a camera (linked to computer) against your skin to record any she's unsure about and recommends a check 6 months or a year later to see if they've changed. And all for free, amazing! I'm sending Howard along next...

Nice to know there's something else for free.

Bit disconcerting that the doc was discussing other patients though.

Oh yes, I had forgotten abou that. Will certainly both be needing it as we both have a LOT of moles!

A good friend of mine got skin cancer last year from a mole on her stomach - the UK GPs are not nearly as proactive. It was itching for ages (the mole was on her stomach) and the GP said it was nothing. 3 months later she went back and luckily her normal GP was on holiday so the locum saw it and rushed her off to the nearest hospital. She had it removed there and then, then had to go back the next week to have a bit more around the area removed.

The hospital said if she hadnt had it removed when she did she could have been dead in a few months. :(

Now she's not allowed to be in the sun at all, has to be covered up at all times which is hard for her because she was always sun bathing!

So definitely worth getting them checked out regularly!

Well done for finding the clinic Elaine and hope your biopsy turns out o.k.

Have you got a phone number for the clinic - I too have lots (and I mean lots!) of freckles and have had several instances of being really burnt as a child....methinks I should visit them...

Debbie x

i have never had freckles before, but since my arms are so brown now, i have developed loads!!... would this be a problem? they are mainly on my right arm which is puzzling

May be mainly on your right arm due to driving, I always have my right arm in the sun during the summer?

Probably worth going to the free clinic to get checked although dont think it's anything to worry about...

Sounds like an excellent service Elaine and I do hope your biopsy turns out to be OK.

Definately a topic most people going out to Oz should consider very seriously.

Sasha :)

;) Although skin cancer is more common in Australia, more people die from it in the UK.

Dont worry about freckles, but pay attention to moles which



A - assymetry - are irregular in shape,

B - borders - with irregular borders

C - colour - change colour or are unevenly coloured,

D - diameter - are over 6mm in diameter.


change size, itch or bleed

And dont forget sunglasses, eye cancer is also a problem here.


Above all, dont ignore it, melanoma can be advanced enough to be fatal when theres very little change in a mole, and it doesnt respond well to drugs, so surgery is the best option. You also have a greater risk if you have had a relative with skin cancer.

http://www.skincancer.org/index.php

Cathy
xxx

Where exactly is this clinic in Marion Elaine??

I have been burnt on many occasions, have fair skin, have used sun beds in the past, have extra freckles now I'm older and my Mum had skin cancer about 20 years ago.

Rob is covered in moles and has had one removed already.

Emily and David seem to have extra freckles and moles each day!

I think we are prime candidates for a check. Is this service offered to children too??

You don't realise 'til you see all the skin cancer clinics around just how much of a risk it is. Also there are alot of people with very sun damaged skin around, especially women who were 'sunworshippers' in their youth who now have big leathery jowels making them look more aged than they are.

Jan

Thanks for the info Elaine !
ive been worried about Ian for a while (and about his moles too ! )No seriously he has huge wierd shaped moles and was warned years ago to keep out of the sun ( so we moved to Adelaide ! :doh: ) For the last couple of years in the Uk he had regular checks on his skin, and detailed pictures were taken of certain moles for comparison each visit .

can you give any other info (Ie where is the clinic , Phone Number ? )
Maybe then he will contact them (or maybe he will be a typical man and put it off !!



Thanks again

JulieWx

Marion Skin Clinic is at the Marion Medical Centre on Sturt Road right by Marion Shops. Drive down by Bunnings/the Library and you'll see it.

Skin clinic phone no. is 8375 7090. You need an appointment for the clinic, though if you need to see a GP it's a case of just turn up and book in, there isn't normally a very long wait unless you go on a public holiday as Howard did once :lol:

:thumbs up:
Thanks Elaine I shall book him in!!
:sign20:
JulieWxx

Anyone knowing me, knows that I've got a laid back personality that is virtually horizontal. the sort of personality that doesn't get around to things on time, which is a killer in Australia!
In the good ol' days of the '70's. before the ozone layer had completley disappeared, we'd surf and swim all weekend and go brown as berries. In the late 70's the skin cancer rate was soaring and the "slip,slop, slap"campaign began.
Cancers can take several years to kick in.
About 7 years ago, I went to my local GP about a spot on my arm. It was only a bit of scar tissue from an old insect bite or something, but while there, I got the doc to check out a dark freckle on my chest wall.
It was a melanoma.
He didn't stuff around. It was out before I left the surgery and sent off for analysis. I got a call later in the week to drop by for a head to toe check up and two more came out from my back.
Melanomas are one of the four major skin cancers that Australians can get. They are the most dangerous. They are a time bomb ready to go off. They can sit there for years, 20 years even, but you'll be run down or have a cold and the the immune system is rundown and they will kick in, spreading in size over 6 weeks before going deeper into the skin. Once they reach your blood vessels or lymphatic system, you die of cancer elsewhere in your body.
In Australia, you DON'T buggerise around.
Go and get checked out, then go every year.
If you don't, see that your will is up to date!
Anyone with blue eyes and/or fair skin is on the danger list.
Jan is a prime candidate. Her genes aren't used to being bombarded with UV like what Australia dishes out.
PP . . . those freckles on your right arm are from driving and the sun coming throught the car window, or both arms would be the same. Freckles are safe, but are the first signs of damage that can be more dangerous, turning to cancers later on. The only way is to wear long sleeves when you drive and put sunscreen on your hands.