Seeing as there isn't a lot of racing going on at this time of year, it may be a good time to drop into your favourite Skin Cancer Clinic for a skin Check. I had my not so regular check up and they naturally froze a bunch of Keretosis and small BCC's off of my scalp, hands, shoulders and also found this little (large) Basal Cell Carcinoma on my left arm just below my elbow. Being blonde (see grey ) and fair skinned and having my history of being a water baby all my life with high exposure to Australian sun, I am deemed a high risk for skin cancer.

I am supposed to go every 6 months but with my active and busy life I manage to try and get there every 12 months. In reality, I go about every two years but intend to change it to my yearly visit. I want to live to give my girls away when they get married so it is important. I know the markings on my body well and am well versed in monitoring changes in my skin due to my high risk. It can happen to you too.

This started as a small lump (like a deep pimple) and developed into a scab which wouldn't heal. It grew to nearly the size of a 5 cent piece and had to be excised. The resultant excision was 4cm long and about 2.5cm wide in an almond shape. All skin to the fat layer was removed and closed with 7 or 8 stitches. BCC's are not usually deadly, but need to be removed. Don't muck around, a single Melenoma can be the end! DM