Skin Cancer Clinic at Shire Doctors and Dentists

Skin Cancer Clinic

At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we understand that early detection and effective treatment are critical in the fight against skin cancer. With two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, it’s essential to make skin checks a regular part of your health routine. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, which is why we emphasise regular, thorough skin examinations to ensure your health and wellbeing.

Why Is Skin Cancer Prevalent in Australia?

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, and this can be attributed to several factors:

  • Climate and UV Exposure: Australia’s climate results in higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, which significantly contributes to the development of skin cancer. The intensity of UV radiation in Australia is one of the highest in the world.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Australians spend considerable time outdoors enjoying activities like surfing, swimming, and sports. These outdoor lifestyles, combined with a history of sunburn, tanning, and the use of solariums, increase the likelihood of skin damage and, eventually, skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure and insufficient sun protection, particularly during childhood, also increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Importance of Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when diagnosed in its early stages. Timely diagnosis and intervention can:

  • Prevent the Cancer from Spreading: Early detection helps ensure the cancer is confined to the skin and does not spread to other organs.
  • Minimise the Need for Extensive Treatments: The earlier the cancer is caught, the more treatment options are available, and the less invasive the necessary treatments.
  • Significantly Improve Survival Rates: Early-stage skin cancers, particularly melanoma, have a much higher survival rate, making regular check-ups essential.

Potential Risks of Delayed Diagnosis

Postponing a skin cancer diagnosis can have serious health consequences, such as:

  • Invasive Cancer Growth: As skin cancers progress, they become more difficult to treat. Larger, more invasive cancers require more aggressive and invasive treatment approaches, including surgery or radiation therapy.
  • Metastasis: Skin cancers, such as melanoma, can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, lungs, and brain. This can drastically reduce treatment options and survival rates.
  • Increased Burden on Health and Family: A delayed diagnosis often results in a more complex and physically taxing treatment process. This, in turn, can create emotional and financial strain on patients and their families. Early detection helps reduce the overall burden by minimising the extent of treatment needed.

Why Choose Shire Skin Cancer Centre?

At Shire Doctors and Dentists, our dedicated Skin Cancer Centre focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. We are committed to providing the highest level of care, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate, patient-focused services. Here’s why you should choose us:

  • Specialised Expertise: Our clinic is staffed by experienced doctors with specialised training in skin cancer detection and treatment. We understand the importance of early intervention and provide the most advanced care available.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Techniques: 
    • Dermoscopy: We use dermoscopy, a hand-held magnification tool that provides a clearer, more detailed view of suspicious skin lesions. This technique increases diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, helping us detect skin cancer at its earliest stages.
    • Digital Mole Monitoring: For patients with a history of moles or at higher risk, we offer digital mole monitoring to track any changes over time.
    • Total Body Photography (Mole Mapping): This technique is especially beneficial for patients with multiple moles or a family history of melanoma. It provides a comprehensive map of your skin, helping to monitor and detect any changes in moles that could indicate skin cancer.
  • Comprehensive, Personalised Care: We take the time to listen to your concerns and work closely with you to create a personalised skin cancer screening and treatment plan. Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the care and attention they need in a comfortable and supportive environment.
  • Male and Female Skin Cancer Doctors: We understand that some patients may prefer to be examined by a doctor of a particular gender. To accommodate these preferences, we offer both male and female skin cancer specialists for your comfort and privacy.

Our Skin Cancer Services

We offer a full range of services designed to detect, treat, and prevent skin cancer:

  • Comprehensive Skin Checks: Our thorough head-to-toe examinations ensure that no area of your skin is overlooked. We check for any suspicious moles, lesions, or changes in your skin that could indicate skin cancer.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilise advanced diagnostic tools like dermoscopy, digital mole monitoring, and total body photography to ensure an accurate and early diagnosis.
  • Expert Treatment: If a skin cancer diagnosis is confirmed, we offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Our goal is to provide effective treatment that is tailored to your specific condition, whether it’s through excisional surgery, cryotherapy, or topical treatments.
  • Prevention and Education: We believe in proactive care and offer advice on sun safety and skin protection to help prevent the development of skin cancer in the future.

Other Rare Skin Cancers

In addition to BCC, SCC, and melanoma, there are several rarer forms of skin cancer, such as:

  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that appears as a painless, firm nodule, usually on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, or arms. Merkel cell carcinoma can grow rapidly and metastasise to other parts of the body.
  • Atypical Fibroxanthoma: A rare skin tumour that shares some characteristics with SCC but tends to behave more aggressively. It often appears as a rapidly growing lesion on sun-damaged skin.
  • Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: A rare tumour that usually occurs on the face and may present with a slow-growing, painless swelling.
  • Mycosis Fungoides: A type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin, leading to red patches or plaques.

These rare skin cancers may require specialised treatment and care, typically managed by oncologists and dermatologists at cancer treatment centres.

Your Health, Our Priority

Early detection is the key to successfully treating skin cancer. If you’ve noticed any changes in your skin, or if it’s been over a year since your last skin check, don’t wait. It’s time to schedule an appointment.

Book Your Skin Check Now

At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we offer comprehensive skin cancer screening and treatment options, including both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Whether you’re concerned about a new mole, an existing skin growth, or need advice on sun protection, our experienced team is here to help. We use the latest technologies and evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

If you have concerns about your skin or are due for a skin check, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are dedicated to supporting your skin health and providing early intervention for optimal treatment outcomes. Call 02 9063 8650 or email info@shiredoctorsanddentists.com.au to book your skin check at Shire Skin Cancer Centre.

Don’t wait — take charge of your skin health today. Contact us now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Book Your Skin Check Now

Detect early signs of Melanoma here at Shire Doctors & Dentists with our potentially life-saving Skin Cancer check service.

Complete a few details below to book an immediate appointment at our clinic.

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Start 2025 Healthier, with Protected Skin!

We’re excited to announce the expansion of our Skin Cancer Clinic. In addition to Dr Sherif Francis, who has nearly 30 years’ experience in providing comprehensive skin checks and both surgical and non-surgical skin cancer treatments, Dr Christene Mikhail will be joining us. She has completed her Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer and is now providing comprehensive skin checks and advanced treatment for all types of skin lesions.

Begin the year with peace of mind and book your skin check today if it’s been more than a year. Your health matters!

Our fees will increase effective Monday, February 10th, 2025. Please visit our “Fees” page for a full list of our pricing.