THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has backed the Cancer Council's National Skin Cancer Action Week with a reminder for Australians to visit their doctor for a skin check.
With the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, Australians cannot afford to be complacent, warned AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen.
Around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point, and early detection is paramount, she said.
"We know that with early detection through the form of a skin check, most of these cancers can be treated with somewhere in the order of a 98% success rate for treating them, if detected early," Dr McMullen added.
"I encourage all Australians to talk to their GP about how they can get a skin check."
Prevention also has an important role to play in keeping Australians safe in the sun.
"Of course, I also encourage Australians to be vigilant and follow the Cancer Council's ongoing advice to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses when enjoying the outdoors," Dr McMullen said.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Nov 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 19 Nov 24
