Big jump in skin-cancer checks

Make sure you enjoy your summer sun with a touch of sunblock.

A growing number of Rotorua residents are raising their chances of detecting melanoma early by having their skin checked.

MoleMap by Dermatologists nurse Lara Wild said interventions had increased dramatically in recent years.

"I have gone from seeing one or two patients a day to having a six-week waiting list," she said.

Mrs Wild began working at the Rotorua clinic in 2008 and said awareness about skin checks had increased hugely since then. "A lot of people are becoming more aware of skin cancer or have known someone with skin cancer, which can be a motivating factor."

MoleMap general manager Andrew Maslin said early detection of melanoma was key for successful treatment.

On the prevention side, a leading health official warned people to check their sunscreen was still effective.

Cancer Society manager Fiona Mawley said using expired or heat-damaged sunscreen could be worse than using none as it could lead to people wilfully exposing themselves to harmful sun while believing they were protected.

"Most sunscreens have a three-year shelf life," she said. "The expiration date gives a fairly definitive time line for retailers and consumers."

However sunscreens which expired yesterday didn't need to be thrown away. "If a sunscreen is three months past the expiry date [and] kept in cool conditions away from direct and or indirect heat, then it should still be effective to use."

Ms Mawley said keeping sunscreen away from heat was the key to preserving its effectiveness.

"The effectiveness of the sunscreen will depend on where it has been stored. It is best to store it below 30C - not in a car or golf bag," she said.

"In some cases the formula could change appearance or split. If that happens then it should be discarded."

Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to help protect exposed skin from sun damage which can cause skin cancer, including melanoma.

New Zealanders spend just under $3 million on sunscreen at major supermarkets each December, according to data from Nielson. However, sales usually slowed down over January and February, dropping under $1 million by March.