As conversations about skin health become more mainstream, it’s increasingly evident that younger generations, especially Gen Z, are not immune to the dangers of skin cancer. Once considered an older person’s disease, skin cancer is now being diagnosed in younger patients more frequently than ever before. The question we need to ask is: why is Gen Z at greater risk, and what can be done to prevent it?
At Station Road Medical Centre, your trusted skin cancer clinic in Ipswich, we’re dedicated to educating the community about skin health and offering early intervention through professional screenings and treatment.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, typically caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. There are three main types:
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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – The most common form, often appearing as a translucent bump on sun-exposed areas.
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Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – Usually appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly surface.
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Melanoma – The most dangerous form, often developing in existing moles or appearing as new dark spots with irregular borders.
Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent skin cancer from spreading and becoming life-threatening.
Why Gen Z is at Risk?
Gen Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, has grown up in a tech-driven, social media-influenced world. While this generation is health-conscious in many ways, some behaviors are increasing their risk of developing skin cancer.
❖ Increased Use of Tanning Beds and Sun Exposure
Despite widespread knowledge of the dangers of tanning beds, many young people still use them to achieve a “sun-kissed” look. Prolonged UV exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.
❖ Inconsistent Sunscreen Use
Although many Gen Z individuals are aware of the importance of sunscreen, studies show that they often forget or neglect to apply it regularly. This is especially true on cloudy days or during short periods outdoors, when they mistakenly believe the risk is low.
❖ Influence of Social Media
Social media influencers often showcase glowing tans and beach lifestyles, which can subtly promote unsafe sun habits. Trends like tanning challenges or DIY sunburn remedies can mislead young viewers about the reality of sun damage.
❖ Climate Change and UV Intensity
Increased UV levels due to climate change can make outdoor activities riskier, especially in places like Queensland, where sun exposure is already intense for most of the year.
Signs of Skin Cancer to Watch For:
Recognizing the early signs of skin cancer is crucial. The “ABCDE” rule is commonly used to identify potential melanomas:
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A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
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B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
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C – Colour: Varies from one area to another; may include shades of tan, brown, black, red, white, or blue
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D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm
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E – Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that changes over time
Other signs include sores that don’t heal, unusual skin growths, or spots that itch, bleed, or become painful.
How to Protect Yourself: Practical Skin Safety Tips?
Preventing skin cancer starts with adopting simple but effective sun-safe habits. Gen Z can greatly reduce their risk by being proactive about skin health.
Here are some essential practices:
- Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating
- Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
- Seek shade between 10am and 4pm when UV levels are highest
- Avoid tanning beds entirely
- Perform regular skin self-checks at home
- Book annual skin checks with a professional
Why Annual Skin Checks Matter?
Even if you’re young and healthy, annual skin checks can save your life. Skin cancers can be tricky—they don’t always look dangerous. A trained doctor can spot the early signs before they become serious problems.
At Station Road Medical Centre our skilled practitioners offer comprehensive skin assessments using the latest dermatoscopy techniques. Early detection of skin cancer significantly increases the success rate of treatment, and we aim to make the process easy and stress-free for every patient.
What to Expect at a Skin Check:
If you’ve never had a skin check before, it’s a straightforward and painless procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- A doctor will examine your skin from head to toe
- Any suspicious moles or spots will be documented and possibly photographed for monitoring
- If a lesion needs further investigation, a biopsy may be recommended
- You’ll receive advice on how to monitor your skin at home and protect yourself from further UV exposure
The whole appointment usually takes 15–30 minutes and could make all the difference in catching skin cancer early.
Gen Z’s Role in Shifting the Narrative:
Gen Z has a unique opportunity to reshape how society views sun safety. As digital natives and influencers in their own circles, they can raise awareness by:
- Sharing accurate information about the dangers of UV exposure
- Encouraging friends and family to wear sunscreen
- Normalizing skin checks and speaking openly about skin health
By embracing skin safety and setting new trends in wellness, Gen Z can not only protect themselves but also influence future generations.
Let Station Road Medical Centre Help You Stay Sun Safe:
We know that book a medical appointment might not be top of mind, especially for young people who feel healthy. But taking care of your skin today can prevent serious issues down the road. Whether you’ve noticed a suspicious mole, or you just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Station Road Medical Centre is proud to be a trusted skin cancer clinic in Ipswich, serving the community with compassionate, expert care. Our team is ready to guide you through preventative strategies, regular skin checks, and any treatments you may need.
Contact Us Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late—get your skin checked by professionals who care.
Phone: (07) 3816 1155
Email: admin@srmcbooval.com.au