Melanomas getting picked up earlier

Wanganui Skin Institute nurse Kara Wasley says people have more awareness than ever about the need for skin checks in preventing the spread of cancer.

Free skin checks and growing mindfulness are helping Wanganui people detect melanoma before it spreads.

Wanganui Skin Institute nurse Kara Wasley says people have more awareness than ever about the need for skin checks in preventing the spread of cancer.

"Because of the awareness out there, we are picking up heaps of melanomas early."

The Skin Institute offers free spot checks for people concerned about moles or lesions.

Ms Wasley says this helps people detect melanoma before it is too late.

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

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

"Most sunscreens have a three-year shelf life," she says.

"The expiration date gives a fairly definitive timeline for retailers and consumers."

Ms Mawley says keeping sunscreen away from heat is 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 says.

"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.