NEW: Low Risk Prenatal Clinic
The Medicine Hat Hospital has a Low Risk Prenatal Clinic located on site. Patients can self-refer, or speak with their current provider to obtain a referral.
Check Your Skin
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Canada, representing one- third of all new cancer diagnoses, and the numbers continue to rise! Over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year (Government of Canada, n.d.).
Regularly examining your skin can lead to earlier discovery, treatment, and better outcomes. According to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation (n.d.), self-skin surveillance using the “ABCDE”s is best for early detection.
The ABCDE’s warning signs include:
Image from: (https://www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/early-detection/the-abcdes-of-early-detection/)
Other potential warning signs include rapidly changing moles, texture changes such as shiny or waxy bumps, patches of skin with constant itching, tenderness or irritation, and open sores that don’t heal (Associated Dermatologists, 2025).
When performing your own self-skin checks, it is vital to check all areas of your skin, including places not always exposed to the sun, such as the soles of your feet and under your arms. You may also need help from someone to help check places that are hard to see, such as your back and scalp (MyHealth Alberta, 2024).
Image from: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/tests-treatments/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zm2627
The best way to prevent different types of skin cancer is to:
- Avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10am to 4pm, when the sun’s UV rays are strongest
- Avoid tanning or burning, including use of tanning beds
- Keep your skin covered and wear protective clothing, with a UPF rating when able
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all skin to protect
against both UVA and UVB rays
(Government of Canada, n.d.)
Due to the growing incidence of skin cancer, frequent skin-checks for warning signs is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Monthly self-skin checks and scheduled annual health check-ups with your healthcare provider are recommended. If you notice any suspicious changes to your skin, do not wait – book an appointment with your healthcare provider to get checked!
Sources
References:
- Associated Dermatologists. (2025, October 10). What does the beginning of skin cancer look like? https://associatedderm.net/what-does-the-beginning-of-skin-cancer-look-like/
- Canadian Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Skin cancer. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/
- Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). The ABCDS’s of early detection. https://www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/early-detection/the-abcdes-of-early-detection/
- Government of Canada. (n.d.). Skin cancer. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/sun-safety/skin-cancer.html
- MyHealth Alberta. (2024, December 24). Skin self exam. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/tests-treatments/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zm2627
PCN Careers
Current Palliser PCN career postings – employment with Palliser PCN.
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls
A free phone-based seniors program for adults 55+.
MAPS Documents
Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System
Alberta’s Refocused Health System
Primary Care Alberta is now operational.
Patient resources
Resources your PCN provider may have directed you to access before/after a visit.
PCN Videos
Palliser PCN videos on several health topics.
Health Homes (Clinics)
A list of Palliser PCN health homes (clinics), contact information, and PCN physicians and teams in those locations.