Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older. The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.
People who live in areas with bright, year-round sunlight, or those who spend a lot of time outdoors without protective clothing or sunscreen, are at greater risk. Early exposure, particularly for people who had frequent sunburns as a child, also increases skin cancer risks.
Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer due to our predominately fair skin our high levels of UV radiation throughout the year. However skin cancer risk is categorised into average risk, increased risk, and high risk by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
You are at increased risk of developing skin cancer if you have:
- lots of moles or freckles
- fair skin that burns easily and does not tan
- light coloured eyes (blue or green), light coloured hair (blonde or red)
- suffered sunburns, particularly as a child
- a family history of skin cancer
- used solaria
- spent lots of time in the sun, even if sunscreen was used.
At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. The risk is higher in men than in women (70% vs. 58% cumulative risk of NMSC before age 70. 58.5 vs. 39.0 age-standardised incidence rate of melanoma). The risk of mortality is also higher for men – 69% of Australians who die from skin cancer are men.
“Diagnosing skin cancer early is critical to saving lives”. The Confocal Microscope is instrumental in detecting skin cancers at their earliest stage and improving cosmetic outcomes for patients.
The Skin Hospital has just taken delivery of the Confocal Microscope.
The Confocal Microscope is one of the most important developments in biomedical optical imaging for dermatology and represents one of the most innovative and technically advanced machines available for the detection of skin cancer. The state-of-the-art laser imaging provides a non-invasive, comprehensive view of the skin which means a better patient experience and less need for surgical biopsies.
The Confocal Microscope works using a laser beam placed on the skin that allows for a series of photos to be taken. The digital photos capture the various skin layers and are sent to a large screen to be read by a dermatologist.
The advantage of the Confocal Microscope is that it works likes an optical biopsy therefore reducing the need for surgery. The high-resolution images produced mimic those a consultant would see of tissue under a microscope when a biopsy is taken. The resulting images are highly detailed which helps the dermatologist identify and diagnose a wide range of skin cancers, from melanoma, to basal, or squamous cell carcinoma.
The Confocal Microscope can penetrate below several skin layers providing highly detailed images which helps in early detection. Therefore, playing an important role in the diagnosis of hard to see melanoma.
There is a growing demand from both doctors and patients for techniques that are fast, reliable and where both functional and cosmetic outcomes are better. The Confocal Microscope provides this, as well as enabling better surgical planning and a smaller number of reinterventions, which is all good news for patients and doctors.
The Skin Hospital’s Mohs Surgeons, Dr Rhonda Harvey, and Dr Shivam Kapila, who after undertaking additional specialist training will be establishing subspeciality clinics.
The blend of state-of-the-art equipment and specialist knowledge helps ensure skin cancers are diagnosed at their earliest stage – this is a vital part of achieving a cure and reducing invasive treatment. The Skin Hospital, dedicated to providing the very best diagnosis and treatment, continues to stay at the forefront of the technological advancements which is only made possible with the generous support of our donors.
