In 2018, there were over fifteen-thousand recorded cases of melanoma in Australia* and Cancer Australia estimates there will be over seventeen thousand in 2022. UV Radiation – or sun damage – is the leading cause of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
The Australian government has introduced many public health campaigns, including the classic “slip, slop, slap” campaign over the last several decades to educate people of all ages on the importance of keeping their skin protected from the sun.
In addition to these preventative measures, it is also extremely important for positive health outcomes that melanoma be detected early, and this is achieved through regular skin checks with your general practitioner or dermatologist.
Telehealth and online doctor services are an excellent medium for keeping on top of skin health, with modern technology it is easy to simply book an online consultation with a virtual GP service, and share with them images taken on your smart phone, or discuss via high quality video link any areas of concern regarding your skin health.
Your telehealth GP can listen to your concerns,assess your skin issue, ease your concerns, offer advice, and arrange follow-upwith an in-person doctor or dermatologist where necessary.
Many of the barriers to preventative health are lack of time, lack of transport or long wait times to see a GP – telehealth removes all these barriers and makes it easy for you to stay on top of your health and wellbeing via digital consultations.
While in-person skin checks are also important,and telehealth cannot completely replace the need for thorough in-person services, it can certainly be an excellent way to easily take preventative health measures and be proactive about your health by utilizing online doctortechnology.
At Private Medical, several of our GPs are qualified not only in general practice but actually specialize in skin cancerprevention and treatment – to learn more about our clinicians visit www.privatemedical.net
If you would like to book an appointment to have an area of concern addressed, visit www.privatemedical.net/booking or contact us on 135 001.
