Life Navigator – Issue #424 - Staying sun smart: Check your skin, Protect your future

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Our love for the outdoors, long summers, and high UV exposure mean that skin cancer is a real concern for us Kiwis. But here’s the good news... melanoma is highly treatable when caught early. The key is awareness, regular checks, and taking action if something looks unusual.

Why skin checks matter

Melanoma doesn’t just appear overnight, it develops over time, often from an existing mole or a new spot that changes. The challenge is that many of us don’t check our skin often enough, and by the time we notice something’s wrong, it could be more advanced.

That’s why getting a professional skin check or a mole map is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your whānau.

The ABCDE of melanoma

When checking your skin, keep these five warning signs in mind:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• B – Border: Edges are irregular, jagged, or blurred.
• C – Colour: More than one colour or an uneven tone.
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm or growing.
• E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or behaviour (itching, bleeding, crusting).

If you notice any of these, don’t wait - book a check with your GP or a skin specialist.

Mole Mapping: A Smart Move

A mole map is a full-body skin assessment where a professional photographs and tracks your moles over time. This helps detect subtle changes that might be hard to see on your own. It’s especially useful if you have:

• Fair skin or a history of sunburn.
• Many moles or freckles.
• A personal or family history of skin cancer.
• Spent a lot of time working or playing outdoors.

Many clinics offer mole mapping services across Aotearoa, and some insurance policies may help cover the cost, so it’s worth looking into.

Protecting your skin every day

While early detection is key, prevention is even better. Keep these habits in mind: Slip on protective clothing. Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen (and reapply often). Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. Seek shade when the sun is strongest (10 am – 4 pm). Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Take action today

Your skin is with you for life, so take care of it. Check your skin today, book a skin check or mole map today and encourage your friends and whānau to do the same. A five-minute check could save a life.

Let’s look out for each other, stay sun smart, and enjoy Aotearoa’s great outdoors safely.

Until next time, stay well and keep navigating life with confidence!