Annual melanoma check could save your life: MP

A melanoma check at least once a year could save your life. That’s the message from federal Member for Parliament Mark Coulton.

Mr Coulton, who had two basal cell carcinomas and a melanoma removed this month, addressed the House of Representatives about the need for sun protection in this often sun-soaked country.

“It’s a subject very close to my heart. As someone who represents a western New South Wales electorate with great exposure to the sun, I’m well aware of the complications,” Mr Coulton said. “As a matter of fact, I could be ‘exhibit A’.”

Mr Coulton’s speech to fellow parliamentarians was delivered prior to his procedure in Tamworth.

“The doctor told me that once you’ve had a melanoma you’re 20 times more likely to get another one,” he said. “As a younger person, all through summer, I would work out in the paddocks with a pair of shorts, a hat and a pair of boots.

“That was what everyone did in those days. Indeed, I was 50 when I made my first speech in this place, and up until then all my work had been outside under the sun.

“I wholeheartedly agree with getting a Medicare item number for this. My procedure … will cost $1600 out of pocket to get done. For some people that would be a big imposition on their budget.

“I would certainly think it would be a tragedy if people chose not to get these things dealt with because they were concerned about the financial implications.”

Mr Coulton said communities had driven awareness about melanoma over the years. He was confident the message about sun safety is getting through.

“If you look at my grandkids now, they wear rashies, hats and SP50 before they even go outside, so the message has got through,” he said.

“Hopefully, we might be the last generation that rides this wave of high incidences. So slip, slop, slap, but get an annual check-up at least, because it could save your life.”

Medical professionals encourage people to become familiar with the look of their skin, particularly spots and moles, so they pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer.

Look for any crusty, non-healing sores, small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour or new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months.