k76

I wasn't aware of this at first, but you can actually get free screenings for skin cancer here in Australia. Definitely worth doing for piece of mind. They actually removed one of my moles and had it tested, very professional. Not the most fun waiting for the result, but thankfully no drama.

I will definitely go once a year for a checkup in the future, and I think everyone with half a brain should do the same!

bcworld

Completely agree - it's absolutely essential, even if you're not particularly fair skinned.

I lost someone very close to melanoma and it is a very, very unpleasant way to go, and yet so easily cured if detected early.

steve`o

so its a special service just for australians then




steve`o last seen running a way laughin

k76

Wonder why they let me in???

Red_V_Roger

I wonder if us 457's can get it in on our reciprical agreement? Did the clinic bulk bill or did you have to claim it back through Medicare?

k76

They bulk billed. I just showed my medicare card and filled out a form, and that was it. I have no idea about if it works with 457, sorry. In any case it probably won't cost much as it was very quick. If they decide to send something away to the lab for analysis it probably gets more expensive.

Daka

I've had a check done for free at a bulk billing clinic and we are on a 457.
Need to get the other half to go too now.

PoppetUK

That sounds like a good idea.

I am very fair along with my kids. Hubby has been out in the son way too much over the years without sun protection but don't slip slop slap now.

Do you know anywhere around Mandurah / Rockingham Wa that offers these sort of clinics.

Thanks

Poppet

wooley

i just had a check done and have to have the mole removed which is scary,so weird to think that if we never came to oz i never would have known until whenever???!!!!!!

ShoreyM

This is really good news. I know the Australians are more sun aware than we are here in blighty, probably because there's a lot more of it. Both my boys are fair haired and fair skinned. I'm very concious of it, but you can never be too sure. My grandfather died of melanoma and my sister has just been diagnosed with basal cell carcianoma (luckily she has a fab GP and the prognosis is good) so I think I'll be taking regular check-ups. Am pleased it's available.

Damson

Someone once pointed out to me that in many ways, tanning-easily type skin is actually worse than fair skinned for skin cancer. The reason being that fair skinned people tend to cover up/stay out of the sun as they know they have a good chance of getting burnt, whereas me and my family have in the past just stayed out in it. Always wise to take advantage of any free screening in my opinion.

Cheetah7

Not all clinics bulk bill and many have a waiting list.

I have found a clinic in Hamilton Hill near Freo that charges about $65 for a check up and you get half back from Medicare. They have that computerised scanning equipment.

Mr PP and I have our first skin cancer checks on 1st Sept and then we are off to buy the T shirts that you can swim in that protect you from the sun - cant remember what they are called.

We put suncream on even in the winter, as someone said to me that the ozone layer doesnt grow back in the winter and that you shouldnt assume you are safe because the sky is cloudy.

Im covered in moles and really want to protect myself.

steve`o

T shirts are rashes ( 50+ protection )

example
http://www.shopsafe.com.au/merchants...ash_shirts.htm

cheaper in your local shops say kmart or similar or dearer in say ripcurl ( trendy sporty shop )

Cheetah7

Ive seen some in Ripcurl - I am going to get a couple. I shall wear board shorts and swim in those.

Dont fancy a tan so will do what I have to do to protect myself.

PaulandNic

Had my 6 monthly check last week, all clear! ...

I've had sunbed treatment in the UK called PUVA and my dermo here REALLY frowns upon it, and said the treatment will make me more susceptible to skin cancer in the future! ...

Handy, what with me now living in the 'sunshine state'