Hairdressers can play a vital role in the battle against skin cancer by alerting clients to spots or nodules on their scalps, says an expert.
Men with thinning hair are the key risk group for potentially life-threatening scalp melanomas.
But people with a full head of tresses can get them from sun exposure around the part line, while those with fine hair lack sun protection in larger areas of the scalp.
A recent study showed that a small number of Australian patients with scalp melanomas had been alerted by their hairdressers, said co-author Professor John Kelly.
The research was presented to the annual scientific meeting of The Australasian College of Dermatologists.
"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," Prof Kelly said.
"I would ask that hairdressers bring any spots or nodules to the attention of the client and, without causing distress, encourage them to get it checked by a doctor.
"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."
The study found that five per cent of 237 patients were initially alerted to their melanoma by their hairdressers.
"As this wasn't a major focus of the study, other patients may not have specified if it had been spotted by a hairdresser, therefore this is a conservative estimate."
Everyone should consider wearing hats outside, particularly between 10am and 4pm in summer, Prof Kelly said.
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