Skin checks vital, says MP

MEMBER for Noosa Glen Elms is urging residents to get their skin checked after he had a melanoma removed recently.
Mr Elms said Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and each year melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is diagnosed in more 3000 Queenslanders and claims more than 365 lives.
‘‘I urge people not to become complacent, make sure they know their skin, personally check it regularly and have any new or changed lesions, freckles or moles checked by a doctor,’’ he said.
Mr Elmes had a melanoma removed from the left side of his face and said anyone could develop skin cancer.
‘‘Skin cancer doesn’t just affect people with fair skin, blue eyes and red hair, it also affects people from ethnic backgrounds who may have darker skin and here in Queensland you don’t need to be tanned or get sunburnt for skin damage to occur,” he said.
‘‘We are exposed to UV radiation any time we are outside and this unplanned sun exposure adds up over time.”
Mr Elmes said most cases of skin cancer were preventable if the five sun protection methods were used routinely and consistently.
For more information visit: www.sunsafety.qld.gov.au