The AMA warns skin cancer checks being offered by pharmacies are “irresponsible”. Photo: Max Mason Hubers
Skin cancer checks performed in pharmacies are “irresponsible and inappropriate”, according to the country’s peak doctors’ organisation.
Dr Saxon Smith, president of the NSW branch of the Australian Medical Association and a dermatologist, said some of the deadliest types of melanoma were difficult to diagnose.
“It is irresponsible and inappropriate for pharmacies to offer in-store skin checks,” he said.
He said it was a misconception that melanoma was typically black or brown, and could even be pink or other colours depending on the person, and therefore easily overlooked.