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Model’s tiny mole turns out to be cancer

<p dir="ltr">A model who completely disregarded what she thought was a mole on her ankle has been diagnosed with cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">Oceana Strachan would regularly get her skin checked to ensure she was safe from melanoma and was constantly given the green light. </p> <p dir="ltr">But she knew something was wrong when the tiny mark on her ankle was itchy and had risen a bit - raising the alarm as to whether or not it was something else. </p> <p dir="ltr">Doctors dismissed it as a mole but Oceana pushed for a biopsy to be done and it was found to be stage two melanoma. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My melanoma spot looked like a regular mole but I noticed changes like itching that raised a red flag for me,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/aussie-model-shares-warning-signs-after-tiny-find-led-to-sinister-diagnosis-c-6840204" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Going through melanoma, I didn’t know if I was going to survive. I didn’t know the outcome.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdnQNQ9JBWg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdnQNQ9JBWg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by OCEANA HEGYI 🤍 (@oceanastrachan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Oceana underwent surgery in May 2021 where the affected skin was removed and saw the then 25-year-old back on her feet not too long after.</p> <p dir="ltr">A year later, Oceana spoke out about how early detection saved her life and cringed at not being sun safe. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was 25 with olive skin... unfortunately melanoma doesn’t care how old you are or what type of skin you have,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Obviously it sucks that I’ve had to go through this but I am just one out of too many.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Image: Instagram</p>

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Hairdressers can spot skin cancers and save your life

<p>New research has found an unlikely new ally in the fight against cancer – hairdressers. Yep, your humble barber or hair stylist could in fact save your life.</p> <p>A recent study by the Australasian College of Dermatologists has found that hairdressers could be uniquely qualified to spot melanomas on the head, particularly in men with thinning hair. It was discovered that 5 per cent of the 237 patients involved in the study first suspected they had skin cancer after it was pointed out their hairdresser.</p> <p>“In Australia, where we have one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, it is important that everyone is aware of recognising changes to spots or nodules on their own skin and on others,” said head researcher Professor John Kelly.</p> <p>The Australasian College of Dermatologists hopes these new findings will encourage more hairdressers to bring any skin anomalies to the attention of their client.</p> <p>“Aggressive melanomas can grow quite quickly and therefore, if you see any changes to your scalp that do not resolve after a month, do not put it off, see your doctor immediately,” Kelly added.</p> <p>To prevent skin cancer, particularly on the scalp, it is recommended that all Australians wear hats between 10am and 4pm during summer.</p> <p>How do you stay safe in the sun? Share your tips in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/04/new-lifestyle-factors-cancer-tool/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>New tool tells you if you’re at risk of getting cancer</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/04/new-app-for-skin-cancer/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">New app to help fight skin cancer</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/03/how-to-spot-a-melanoma-from-a-mole/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to spot a melanoma from a mole</strong></em></span></a></p>

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How to spot a melanoma from a mole

<p>Melanomas are a cancerous growth caused by DNA damage to the skin, usually from the ultraviolet rays of the sun or a tanning bed. This DNA damage mutates skin cells and causes them to multiply rapidly, forming malignant tumours. </p> <p>If found early, melanomas are almost always curable. If not, things can get really bad: melanomas are not only the most common form of skin cancer, but they kill the most people.</p> <p>We really need to worry about skin cancer with the hole in the ozone, as New Zealand and Australia have the highest rates of melanomas in the world.</p> <p><img width="376" height="369" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/17604/moles_376x369.jpg" alt="MOLES" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>What do they look like?</strong></p> <p>A melanoma is not a mole, but it may look like one, and may develop from one. Here are a few key things that differentiate a regular spot from a mole:</p> <ul> <li>Regular moles generally have smooth and even borders, while an early melanoma's border will likely be uneven.</li> <li>A mole should be roughly symmetrical, while a developing melanoma will likely have an uneven shape.</li> <li>Harmless moles are generally smaller than the eraser on a pencil. Anything larger could be dangerous.</li> <li>Multiple colours on the same skin spot are an obvious warning sign, as is any change in colour over time.</li> </ul> <p>In fact, any change is a big warning sign. Harmless moles usually remain exactly the same. If your moles are changing, or becoming itchy, crusty, or bloody, you should definitely get them checked out.</p> <p>None of these rules are concrete, and anyone with many moles should have their skin tested by a doctor.</p> <p><strong>Who is most at risk?</strong></p> <p>Anyone can get melanomas, but certain people are more at risk.</p> <p>Lighter skinned races, who sunburn easily, are the most likely of developing melanomas. While they do occur in children, those aged over 45 are the most at risk. Males are more at risk of melanomas, but only slightly.</p> <p>These risk factors are associated with regular melanomas - certain rare melanomas are a risk for everyone.</p> <p><strong>Are they curable?</strong></p> <p>If spotted early, melanomas are almost always curable by surgery. If not, the cancer can quickly advance to other parts of the body, where it becomes harder to treat and possibly fatal.</p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/02/foods-that-make-skin-healthy/">Five foods that make your skin look healthier</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/12/which-oils-are-best-for-your-health/">A quick guide to the healthiest oils for better skin, joints and wellbeing</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/mps-take-kit-off-for-cancer-awareness/">MPs take their kit off in the name of melanoma awareness</a></strong></em></span></p>

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When you should be concerned about your moles

<p>As Australians, we have to be particularly aware of the sun’s effects on our skin. According to Cancer.org.au, as many as two in every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach the age of 70. Additionally, the Australian incidence of skin cancer has raised a shocking 60 per cent from 1982 to 2010.</p><p>With statistics like that, it’s hard to ignore the danger of skin cancer, but how do you know when it’s just a mole, or something more?</p><p>There are three types of moles:</p><p><strong>Congenital moles –</strong> These are the type of moles you’re born with but may be risk of becoming cancerous later in life.</p><p><strong>Acquired moles –</strong> As the name would suggest, these moles develop post-birth, during childhood and early adulthood. Smaller than half a centimetre, these are thought to develop as a result of sun exposure, though they do not generally turn malignant.</p><p><strong>Atypical moles –</strong> These are the moles with which you should be most concerned. Atypical moles are generally larger than the eraser of a pencil and have an irregular shape and uneven colouring.</p><p>If you suspect that you have atypical moles, it’s recommended that you have your doctor check them out annually in order to rule out cancer. Look for these signs that your mole may be a health risk:</p><ul><li><strong>New moles</strong> that develop in adulthood</li><li><strong>Asymmetry</strong> in size or colour</li><li><strong>Irregular border</strong> or undefined edges</li><li><strong>A large diameter</strong>, larger than the eraser of a pencil</li><li><strong>Change</strong> in shape, size or colour</li></ul><p>If you have a mole that fits these descriptions, make an appointment to see your GP, because you’re always better safe than sorry.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/08/cures-from-the-kitchen-cupboard/">8 kitchen cupboard cures for common ailments</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/09/old-wives-tale-medical-advice/">Odd medical advice your mother probably told you</a></strong></em></span></p><p><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/09/monday-music-playlist/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Catchy songs to beat the Monday blues</strong></em></span></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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