Skin cancer is not just a seasonal striker, and it doesn't just play favourites. Protecting ourselves and loved ones means developing a closer relationship with our skin – not just slip, slop and slapping on the sunscreen come summer.

When it comes to skin cancer, it’s not just fair skinned people or tanning booth users that are more at risk. A family history, hair type, certain types of moles, can all greaten your risk, with skin cancer striking anytime and any age. “Research affirms that sunburn in young adulthood leads to a greater likelihood of developing skin cancer,” says Da Vinci Plastic Surgery Clinic’s cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, and skin cancer expert, Adam Bialostocki.

Melanoma is New Zealand’s deadliest skin cancer – over 300 Kiwis die from it each year – and it is more likely to arise in new lesions than existing moles. Our two most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC are typically reddish, crusty lesions which can feel tender to touch – fair skinned people are the most likely candidates, and men are twice as likely to develop SCC lesions. BBC lesions are sometimes pearly in appearance, or pale and waxy in texture – approximately 85% will showcase on the head and neck region, and are most common in fair skinned people.

“Skin cancer can spread rapidly to other areas of the body,” explains Adam. “Abnormal cells from a mole or lesion can develop and multiple uncontrollably. Which is why careful monitoring and correct diagnosis are essential to prevent the cancer growing and spreading.”

Skin checks from a trained professional ensure all areas of the body are examined – including hidden areas like the insides of ears, the scalp, behind the ears, fingernails, butt cheeks, backs of legs. Keeping your skin in check throughout the year should be top of the to-do list, this means watching for any changes in mole and lesion colour – lighter, darker, or becomes multi coloured. Size – smaller, larger or uneven growth – even just on one side. And, texture and surface changes – if a mole's surface becomes bumpy, scaly or rough, or itching and bleeding, it’s time to get checked.

Don’t save your skin protection to summer, make it year-round awareness and seek trusted skin cancer expertise.

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