A new study published in Nature1 showed that patients who have rosacea are at 5 times higher risk of getting an invasive melanoma. A cohort of 122,444 patients were found through medical records with a mean age of 55 years old. They also found that there was a similar increased risk of other types of skin cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in patients.

Whilst there is no evidence that treating rosacea will reduce your risk of skin cancer, you can reduce your risk of developing a skin cancer by reducing exposure to UV damage. Even with reduction in UV exposure, past exposure can still cause skin cancers years down the track. Having regular skin checks is important to find skin cancers early when they are easily treated.

Other relative risk factors for developing melanoma2:
Previous Melanoma RR 10
Multiple moles >100 RR 7
Previous non melanoma skin cancer RR 4
Family history (First degree relative) RR 2
Previous intermittent sunburn RR 2
Solarium Use RR 1.6
(RR means relative risk – how many times higher risk you have compared to other people who do not have this risk factor)

Winter is a great time to get your skin checked as skin cancers can occur any time of year.

Dr Andrew Albantow has undertaken additional training in skin cancer detection and skin cancer surgery – you can book with him for a skin check by calling the clinic on 0386860500 or online BOOK ONLINE

*Select Skin Check as the reason for your visit.