With 2 out of 3 Australians expected to be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, we have one of the highest rates in the world. Given this statistic, businesses should consider adding workplace skin cancer checks into their wellness programs.

These workplace skin checks not only help in the early detection of these cancers but can also significantly reduce health-related costs and improve employee well-being. At BizHealth, our comprehensive approach to corporate skin checks makes it easier for businesses to implement these potentially life-saving procedures.

Understanding the Risks of Skin Cancer in Australia

Skin cancer is a significant concern in Australia due to its high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with melanoma being the most dangerous. Early detection is key to effective treatment, making regular skin checks an essential preventive measure.

Common Signs of Skin Cancer

Recognising the early signs of skin cancer can lead to a timely diagnosis and significantly better treatment outcomes. Employees should be educated on what to look for, including any new moles or skin changes, asymmetrical moles, irregular borders on moles, uneven colouration, and moles larger than a pencil eraser. These signs, especially in a sun-soaked country like Australia, should prompt immediate skin checks by a health professional.

• New Moles or Growth: New moles or growths on the skin that were not previously present can be an early sign of melanoma or other skin cancers.
• Changes in Existing Moles: Any changes in the size, shape, colour, or elevation of an existing mole can be a warning sign. This includes moles that start to itch, bleed, heal slowly or not at all.
• Asymmetry: If you draw a line through a mole and the two halves do not match, this asymmetry suggests that the mole could be malignant.
• Irregular Borders: The mole’s edges are uneven, scalloped, or notched. Normal moles usually have smoother, more even borders.
• Varied Colouration: The presence of more than one colour (brown, black, blue, red, white, or tan) within a single mole can be another warning sign.
• Large Diameter: Moles with a diameter larger than a pencil eraser (about 6mm) should be checked, especially if they appear after age 20.
• Actinic Keratosis: Rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas can indicate actinic keratosis, a pre-cancerous skin lesion that might develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
• Painful Lesion: A lesion that burns, itches, is tender, or painful can be a sign of skin cancer.
• Shiny Bumps or Nodules: Shiny bumps or nodules that are pearly or clear and might be pink, red, or white are particularly common in basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.

The Role of Workplace Skin Checks

Regular workplace skin checks can be pivotal in early skin cancer detection. These skin checks provide a systematic assessment of an employee’s skin by trained professionals skilled at identifying suspicious moles or spots that might otherwise be missed or overlooked.

Importance of Early Detection

Early skin cancer detection is often linked with higher survival rates and less aggressive treatments. Workplace skin cancer checks facilitate the early identification of malignant or potentially malignant lesions, making them a critical component of employee health and wellness programs.

Benefits of Workplace Skin Checks to Employers

Beyond the obvious health benefits to employees, employers also gain from conducting regular workplace skin checks. These include reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. In fact, demonstrating concern for your employee’s health can boost morale and enhance the company’s reputation as a caring employer.

Fast Facts on Corporate Skin Checks

• Two-thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they’re 70.
• Regular corporate skin checks can reduce the mortality rate from melanoma by up to 50%.
• Skin cancers found and removed early are almost always successfully treated.
• Educating employees about skin cancer can reduce long-term health costs for employers.

BizHealth’s Role in Corporate Skin Cancer Checks

At BizHealth, we simplify corporate skin cancer checks by providing a service that comes directly to your workplace. Our trained professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to perform thorough examinations, ensuring minimal disruption to the workday. We also offer follow-up resources and referrals if further treatment is needed, providing a seamless continuum of care for all your employees. Skin checks are indispensable to workplace health and safety strategies because they offer early detection benefits and potentially save lives. With BizHealth, implementing these checks is straightforward, aligning with the best interests of both employees and employers. Call BizHealth Today!