Have you had your skin checked this year? When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is the number-one key to survival. And yet, so many of us only think about getting our skin checked when there’s a skin problem. Skin cancer can be prevented when detected early. Beaches COVERED. sat down with Dr Masoud Moghaddam from Northern Beaches Skin Cancer Clinic to discuss why it’s so vital to get your skin checked every year.
Dr. Masoud, is it fair to say your speciality is saving lives? This is the big message that people need to have in their minds, would you say? I am very honoured to be able to save lives with my knowledge, extensive experience and screening services. I can’t emphasise enough how this simple screening tool can benefit people and the community. Some skin cancers are devastating, resulting in major defects or a shortening of their life span. In addition, the costs incurred for the individual as well as the families and communities can be exorbitant. What do you love about what you do? I love that this very simple, gentle, noninvasive and brief screening can save people’s lives and avoid any long-term permanent negative impacts for them. I take pride in my exceptional surgical skills and the ability to achieve beautiful cosmetic results with great satisfaction from my patients. What is the key message you would like everybody to know about getting their skin checked? Prevention and screening is always effective which is why skin cancer early detection is vital. Many areas are hard to self-check and assess; therefore, you need a professional and qualified skin doctor specialist to check thoroughly and accurately. For example, a 24 year old man with olive complexion came in to see me. It was his first screening, but it was a lucky first because I ended up finding a small 2mm melanoma in situ
on his abdomen. This early detection enabled for a proper surgical excision which saved his life. The government has recently started up their campaign of SunSmart again with the “Slip, Slop, Slap” with two additional mantras, Seek and Slide. Can you brief us on what that all means? The government is very concerned about this topic because it seriously impacts lives in terms of costs, loss of human resources, etc. Their SunSmart campaign is great, but regular and consistent reminders to the community about regular checks is vital for early detection and treatment of skin cancer. If you visit the dentist and the optometrist once a year, how long between check-ups is required for your skin? The general guideline is to check your skin every 3 months for any changes. If you’re under 18, a one-off is advisable. If you’re between 18 to 45 years old and depending on your daily exposure including work-related or outdoor activities, it is recommended that you have a screening 1-2 times a year. For those over 45 or those who have a family history of melanoma, annual checks are a must. Last words of advice? Life is precious, and we need to take necessary measures to preserve that so please take regular skin checks seriously. •
DR MASOUD MOGHADDAM
SUN PROTECTION MADE EASY Just because its getting colder, doesn’t mean you can stop protecting your skin. Sun protection is important all year round. HERE ARE DR MASOUD’S TOP 6 SUN PROTECTION TIPS! • Wear 50+ Sunscreen everyday. • If you’re going out in the sun, remember your hat. • Protect your skin with sun protective clothing. • Slide on some sunglasses for those bright UV rays. • Seek shade when outdoors. • MOST IMPORTANTLY! DON’T BE LAZY. BOOK YOURSELF A SKIN CHECK WITH DR MASOUD TODAY!
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