Gill South gets her moles checked by an Auckland expert dedicated to the cause.
Dr Sharad Paul's waiting room at his practice in Blockhouse Bay Rd is heaving, and it's a nice mix of multicultural Auckland.
I'm pretty sure the waiting room is crowded all the time - Dr Paul does skin cancer checks for free in a bid to get those who really need help to the top of hospital queues.
The doctor has been recommended to me by a friend whose mother died of melanoma cancer a few years ago.
In 1992 he was asked to write the national guidelines for skin cancer, so he knows his stuff. He tells me 40 per cent of all elective surgery in New Zealand is for skin cancer.
Dr Paul specialised in plastic surgery for burns, but as the son of medical missionaries in India he is carrying on the family tradition of giving back here in New Zealand.
He also owns Baci, the bookshop/cafe across from the Rialto Newmarket cinema, the profits from which go to decile one schools.
Dr Paul also teaches GPs how to diagnose and treat skin cancer at Auckland University and at the University of Queensland - Queensland is one of the worst places in the world for skin cancer.
My examination is quick but thorough. He checked moles on my scalp, and one I'm very fond of just near my ankle which I've always thought of as very Cindy Crawford. I've also got age spots on my arms, he points out. Charming. Most of my suspect bits are just signs of age, thank goodness.
He tells me to look out for any fast growing black moles or spots, they could be trouble, and, because I'm a pale sort, I'm meant to come and see him once a year.
Later, when he's not rushing through patients, he tells me the Celtic people should never have come to New Zealand, the sun is too strong for their fair skin. It'll take them 1000 years before they're used to it. The Maori, and in fact Indians, are much better suited. I'm kind of glad I spent 16 years in Britain and the US, I feel like that's reduced my long-term exposure - though the good doctor tells me that 70 per cent of sun damage has been done by the time you are 17. I remember well a bad burn out at Piha when I was 17 and stupid. So yes, I'm one of those women with a freckly chest.
Dr Paul explains the UV index, which generally ranges from 0-10. Auckland's is around 8 on a sunny day while in Hawkes Bay it gets to 10, although Queensland is worse at 12. The good news is the ozone hole is reducing, he tells me, but the Southern Hemisphere is still going to get more than its fair share of sunshine.
Dr Paul is, however, researching a revolutionary sunblock lotion which could solve all our problems, so stay tuned.
Next week:
My home office became more cluttered as last year went on and I'm determined to start 2011 in a clearer space. I enlist the help of de-clutterer Angella Gilbert.
