Dr Sue is part of the skin cancer clinic of North Canberra Family Practice, and keeps up to date with diagnostic and treatment modalities by regularly attending professional conferences and courses. She has practiced skin cancer medicine in Canberra for several years now, and was awarded certificates in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine, Advanced Dermoscopy (diagnosis), and Advanced Skin Cancer Surgery by the University of Queensland.
There are numerous risk factors for developing skin cancer, and the greater number of risk factors you have, the greater your risk of developing a skin cancer lesion. Some risk factors for developing a skin cancer lesion include:
Previous history of skin cancer
A family member has had a skin cancer
Fair skin which burns easily
Previous history of sunburn, particularly as a child before age 10
Large number of moles on your body
Previous use of a solarium, particularly under the age of 30
Work outdoors (both currently or previously)
Regular participation in outdoor sports such as cricket, golf, surfing, running, or swimming
Dr Sue performs a total body skin checks, carefully examining for any signs of early skin cancer. If she sees something suspicious, she performs a biopsy (taking a sample of tissue under local anaesthetic). Once the result is available, she can decide which treatment is appropriate - this can be surgical or non surgical.
Our procedures are performed in the health centre where we have two theatres, allowing all skin surgeries to be performed under sterile conditions. Furthermore, our surgical equipment is sterilised according to the highest Australian industry standards as our centre is accredited by Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL).
Prior to any procedure, Dr Sue will give you a full explanation of what is required and you will be able to ask as many questions as you like.