Jon Friis
Founder and CEO, Miiskin
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland. Most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. Keeping track of new moles or existing moles could be the answer.
Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of skin cells and most often develops on skin exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It can also develop on parts of the skin that have not been directly exposed to sunlight.
Melanoma, often growing from a mole or lesion, is one of the more aggressive forms of skin cancer. It can be a major health concern if it is not caught early. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.
When it comes to finding melanomas, patients are often the ones to sound the alarm. Ordinary people can and should get better at noticing changes on their skin. Keeping an eye on your skin is one way you can be proactive about your own health.
Look out for skin changes in existing moles or new marks
It’s important to look out for changes in your existing moles. Similarly, to be aware of any new moles or marks on your skin. In adults, over 70% of melanomas show up as new moles or marks on the skin. Pay attention to new pigmented lesions if you are over 35. Again, remember to check difficult to see areas such as your back. A sore not healing within a few weeks or itching/bleeding lesions are also clear signs to get it checked. As a result, if you are in doubt, see your doctor.
Keep track of skin changes with the camera on your phone
Leading experts recommend using photos to keep a record of the appearance of existing moles, new moles and wider areas of skin. This makes it easier to identify changes over time.
Miiskin is a convenient and secure app designed to keep such a photo record.
Miiskin securely documents skin changes over time and was the first app to be dermatologically endorsed by the Skin Health Alliance. Within the app you can compare close-up photos taken at different times to see if anything has changed. It also lets you photograph wider areas of your skin and to access and compare the photos on your computer or tablet to look out for new moles and marks. Moreover, convenient reminders are provided to help users remember to take regular photos over time. Importantly however, the app does not provide any diagnoses or risk assessments of the photographs.