If you already know your body quite well now, then you’re probably familiar with the various clusters of moles and spots that are scattered at different parts of your skin.
Alternatively known in the medical world as “nevi,” the brown and black spots that you’ve become familiar with and learned to appreciate as part of your identity are definitely unique to who you are. From your perspective, the moles all over your body seem relatively harmless because they’re quite minuscule, don’t fester like other skin troubles, and have practically been there for quite a long time. But it’s important to know not all moles should be treated lightly because some of them can be cancerous and even indicate a much higher risk for specific types of skin cancer.
So, how can you prevent such problems from arising? Here’s one solution that’s guaranteed to work: mole mapping.
Why it’s important to be more aware than ever
Although the term “cancer” is generally associated with other parts of the body such as the brain, lungs, breast, and liver, the skin form of the condition bears just as much concern as any other serious condition. With the Australian sun becoming even more aggressive due to the increased levels of UV radiation and heat, more people in the country are at a higher risk of contracting such a condition than ever before.
If you’re looking for a reason to start taking the threat of skin cancer more seriously, here are some facts that will convince you to do so:
● Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70
● Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world
● It is estimated that approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancer types per year are caused by occupational exposures in Australia
How does mole mapping work?
As mentioned, the early warning signs of skin cancer can be easily spotted through the presence of various types of indicative moles in the body. To properly use these black and brown spots in determining whether or not you are at risk of experiencing skin cancer, you will need to use the mole mapping method.
Considered by experts as an early warning system for malignant melanoma, mole mapping is a system or practice that seeks to identify new or changing moles. New or changing moles are the main focus of this method because they are scientifically linked to the onset of precancerous conditions. By noting the changes through mole mapping, you’ll have a much better chance of catching skin cancer in its earliest stages!
How do you start mapping your moles?
At Advanced Laser Clinic, we advise our patients to start practising home mole mapping as a weekly routine by following a memory tool that we’d like to call the “ABCDE guide”—a memory method that is useful for spotting actionable concerns. If this is your first time hearing of the method and practising mapping, here’s what the method stands for:
● Asymmetrical: When a spot deviates from round or oval, and its halves don’t match
● Border: When irregularities develop along the edge of a mole
● Colour: When a mole or spot experiences changes in colour, unevenness, or additional colours that are classified as suspicious
● Diameter: When a mole ends up growing larger than six millimetres (about one-fourth of an inch)
● Evolving: When there are any changes to a mole—particularly one that’s been stable for years. Actionable changes include including those pertaining to colour, height, shape, size, or conditions like bleeding or itchiness
If you have a suspicious looking mole, are concerned about the amount of sun exposure you have had in the past, or want to be proactive about your skin health on a regular bases; a professional mole map or a skin check with one of our trained melanographers can provide you with a peace of mind that you are taking a proactive approach to your skin health.
Conclusion
As skin cancer continues to climb the list of concerns that Australians have these days, it’s important to stay proactive in fighting such a condition by adding mole mapping to your daily routine. Through this practice’s help, you’ll be able to stay on top of any potential threats or problems that may come up before they grow even worse!
At Advanced Laser Clinic, we provide top-quality Mole Mapping and Skin Checks in Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre, for anyone and everyone that wants to keep themselves protected from skin cancer. Get in touch with us today on 8360 9495 so that we can schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience!