JenJen

So how does it all work then cause i've never heard of annual skin cancer checks?

Do you just book in to see a dr at any surgery ? and ask for one or do they invite you for one?
What happens during the appointment, I've got freckles blue eyes and fair skin and I've got a few moles kicking around on me (not literally obviously).

How much does it cost?

irishbloo

You book an appointment at a skin clinic.Im paying $75 but will get $34 back which sounds good to me for peace of mind.Hopefully all will be good.

bcworld

In some parts of Australia skin cancer screening clinics are very common; in my experience they typically charge the same as GP consult and Medicare refunds the same as a GP consult - some also bulk-bill.

Interestingly the Sunsmart website referenced earlier on seems to suggest that on the whole a specialised skin clinic is no more effective than having the check carried out by any other GP, and then if deemed necessary being referred to a dermatologist (which Medicare will provide greater coverage for if referred). As skin clinics seem to be few and far between where I am now I'm thinking I'll probably just see a 'regular GP'.

ABCDiamond

There are specialists that do the skin checks, often with the molescan type machines that take and hold photos for future comparison to see if moles are changing.

Some of them are bulk billed, others are not.

My one, is $50 for the first appointment, less the $34 ish rebate = $16, followed by bulk billed (free to us) thereafter.

jad n rich

As promised the biopsy results. As suspected 2 freckles well naevi, one dysplastic naevi, one basal cell carcinoma, however they think they got it all. 15 year old gets his results back next wednesday.

I am now on the 3 monthly check up roll call.

Worried about son as his are the melanoma looking ones but we contacted doc as soon as it changed shape and they took a chunk needing a 3 cm scar so

jad n rich

The GP I used warned me against the photograph wait and see method. I realise this is just his opinon but in his words quote, " while you are taking photographs of it it could have changed into a level 1/2/3/4/melanoma, just cut the friggin thing out " . HIS words including the F one.

Many could agrue his point, however for ME it works. I guess for me this is not subject I intend to mess around with. Most large medical centres should have a GP who specialises in moles anyway

I guess the downside is you are not going to be vain to keep on with this method, scars everywhere including the face

Cheetah7

That is so true, the one I had cut out of my back had dysplastic changes and the doctor said that may or may not have turned malignant, he just cut it out - no biopsy and I was happy with that.

I believe that Dr Lester doesnt just remove moles for the sake of it, I trust his judgement.

Who on earth would want to wait while they have something that is possibly suspected as malignant, not me thats for sure.

For me, vanity does not come in to it when its skin cancer, I have a tube of suncream in my drawer at work and a huge tub at home.

Deutschmaster

I'm curious to know if somebody is diagnosed with skin cancer why hang around here? Why not just jump on the plane back to Europe?

Cheetah7

Makes you wonder Jad, my doctor said skin cancer can be genetic and you dont have to be out in the sun to get it.

Had this been in the UK, would your GP have picked it up?

Good luck for your son and the main thing is that they have removed it all.

Deutschmaster

Nobody in my family has had skin cancer, but then again nobody in my family has spent more than several years in a high UV area.

Cheetah7

Because that doesnt always make a difference. It is a myth that you have to be a sunworshipper and a very dangerous myth.

Some people never go out in the sun but if they are genetically predisposed to cancer.

Moving back to Europe would solve nothing, being sun savvy, using maximum protection and having regular check ups with a good doctor is the way to go.

Amazulu

My Grandmother died from skin cancer when my Mother was 13. She was from Eastern Europe and living in the UK.

moneypenny20

I would imagine it's no different from someone dying from lung cancer who's never been near a cigarette in their life or a child who develops Leukaemia. No matter how you live your life, something will kill you. Some people have heart problems, some have a predisposition to developing a cancer. You look after yourself as best you can but it's hard to stop nature completely.

Sorry you and your son have suffered so much Jad, however judging from what you say about the precautions you all take, I'm not sure you wouldn't have had the same problems living anywhere else and at least you're in a country that has it high on it's agenda.

Don't know if that sounded harsh or not, wasn't supposed to, just my honest thoughts

Deutschmaster

I would argue though that the risk of somebody who doesn't smoke having lung cancer is much lower than somebody who does.

Which makes me wonder that the risk of somebody living in a low UV area having skin cancer is probably less than somebody living in Australia.

The sunsmart website states that 2 out of every 3 Australians will be treated for skin cancer. That's loads!

moneypenny20

You wouldn't get any argument from me, my point was simply that some people get cancer for absolutely no apparent reason. The same way as someone could smoke 24/7 all their lives whilst sunbaking in Australia and die of old age.

On the other hand, with respect to the UV, more people die in the UK than Aus of skin cancer simply because there is less education on the subject and more likelihood of people seeing the sun (either at home or on their fortnight holiday) and lay out roasting themselves because they see the sun less.

Whatever the case, education and sensible behaviour has to be the way to go.