freckles - greater risk for skin cancer

Skin Cancer Surgery & Treatment

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It usually occurs in people who have been exposed to too much UV (ultraviolet) light from the sun. The danger of skin cancer is that it can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. It is the most common of all cancers.

skin cancer cross section More than two-thirds of the Australian and New Zealand pakeha population will develop a skin cancer of some kind during their lives. The reason is that most are fair skinned and skin cancer occurs more frequently in this group. Those who burn easily in the sun and people with red hair and freckles are particularly at risk of skin cancer.

The likelihood of developing a skin cancer increases with age. People older than 40 are at greatest risk, however, in recent years more young adults and even teenagers have been diagnosed with skin cancer related to over-exposure to the sun.

As a skin lesion is likely to increase in size and depth, the cancer should be treated promptly. Skin cancer can be just as life threatening as any other cancer if treatment is not undertaken.

Auckand NZ plastic surgeon Murray Beagley specialises in skin cancer surgery and treatment. The complete 'Treatment of Skin Cancer' pamphlet is available from your plastic surgeon Mr Beagley at your consultation.

For a skin cancer treatment consultation call (09) 529 2029 or request a consultation by filling in our form:
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Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society
Plastic Surgery Auckland is an Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society for skin cancer diagnosis and skin cancer treatment.