In short: Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Checking your own skin regularly for new or changing spots, and seeing your GP promptly if you notice a change, helps find skin cancer early — when it is most treatable.
Why Skin Cancer Checks Matter in Australia
Most skin cancers in Australia are linked to UV exposure, and they are common. Finding a skin cancer early generally makes it easier to treat, so knowing your own skin and acting on changes is one of the most useful things you can do.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common and usually the least dangerous, but it still needs treatment
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — can grow more quickly and, if left, can spread
- Melanoma — less common but the most serious, because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not found early
How Do I Check My Own Skin?
Get to know what is normal for your skin so you can notice changes. A good habit is to check your whole body regularly — for example, once a month if you are at higher risk. To do a self-check:
- Use a well-lit room and a full-length mirror, and a handheld mirror for areas that are hard to see
- Undress fully and check your whole body, including your back, scalp, ears, between your fingers and toes, the soles of your feet and under your nails
- Ask a partner, family member or friend to help with areas you cannot see easily
Skin cancers can sometimes appear on parts of the body that get little sun, so it is worth checking everywhere, not just sun-exposed areas.
What Are the Warning Signs to Look For?
See your doctor if you notice a new spot, or an existing freckle or mole that changes. According to Cancer Council Australia, changes to watch for include:
- A mole that increases in size
- An outline of a mole that becomes notched
- A spot that changes colour, for example from brown to black, or that is blotchy with several colours
- A spot that becomes raised, or develops a lump
- The surface of a mole becoming rough, scaly or ulcerated
- A mole that itches or tingles
- A mole that bleeds or weeps
It is also worth getting a new mole checked if it appears after about the age of 25. Noticing a change does not necessarily mean you have skin cancer, but it is important to have it looked at.
The ABCDE Guide for Melanoma
One simple way to remember melanoma warning signs is the ABCDE guide — be alert to a spot that shows: Asymmetry (one half unlike the other), an irregular Border, uneven Colour, a larger Diameter, or any spot that is Evolving (changing in size, shape or colour over time). Any spot that is new, changing or simply looks different from your other spots is worth showing your GP.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Skin Cancer?
Some people are more likely to develop skin cancer, including those who:
- Have pale or fair skin that burns easily
- Have a history of sunburn, especially in childhood, or high lifetime sun exposure
- Have many moles, or unusual-looking moles
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma
- Are older, although skin cancer can occur at any age
- Have a weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant
If you are in a higher-risk group, talk to your GP about how often you should have your skin checked.
When Should I See a Doctor?
See your GP if you notice any new spot, or a change to an existing spot, freckle or mole — particularly the warning signs above. It is always better to have a change checked early. If you are at higher risk, your GP can also advise on regular skin checks even when you have not noticed anything yourself.
What Happens During a Skin Check?
During a skin check at our clinic, your GP will ask about your history and examine your skin, often using a handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope to look at spots more closely. If a spot is concerning, your GP may take a small sample (a biopsy) or remove it for testing, or refer you to a specialist if needed. Most skin cancers, when found early, can be treated effectively.
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
Protecting your skin from UV is the most effective way to lower your risk. When UV levels are high, the SunSmart steps are to: slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses. Avoiding sunburn and never using solariums also helps.
How Reliance Medical Centre Can Help
Our GPs at Reliance Medical Centre in Truganina can examine spots you are worried about, perform skin checks, and arrange biopsies, treatment or specialist referral where needed. If you have noticed a new or changing spot, do not wait — book an appointment online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a skin check?
This depends on your personal risk. People at higher risk — for example those with fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburn, or a personal or family history of skin cancer — may be advised to have regular checks, while others may only need to see a GP when they notice a change. It is a good habit to check your own skin regularly and see your GP promptly about any new or changing spot.
What does skin cancer look like?
Skin cancer can look like a new spot, or a change in an existing freckle or mole. Warning signs include a spot that grows, changes colour, becomes raised, develops an irregular or notched border, becomes rough, scaly or ulcerated, or itches, bleeds or weeps. Any spot that looks different from your others, or is changing, should be checked by a doctor.
What is the ABCDE rule for moles?
ABCDE is a guide for spotting possible melanoma: Asymmetry (one half unlike the other), an irregular Border, uneven Colour, a larger Diameter, and Evolving — any change in size, shape or colour over time. It is a helpful prompt, but any spot that is new, changing or different is worth showing your GP, even if it does not tick every letter.
Can I check my own skin at home?
Yes, and it is a valuable habit. Use good light and a full-length mirror, and a handheld mirror for hard-to-see areas, and check your whole body — including your back, scalp, between fingers and toes, and the soles of your feet. Ask someone to help with areas you cannot see. Self-checks do not replace seeing a GP about anything that concerns you.
Who is most at risk of skin cancer?
People at higher risk include those with pale skin that burns easily, a history of sunburn or high sun exposure, many or unusual moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system. If this sounds like you, talk to your GP about how often you should have your skin checked.
When should I see a doctor about a mole?
See your GP about any spot that is new, changing or different from your other spots — especially if it grows, changes colour, bleeds, itches, or develops an irregular border or surface. It is better to have a change checked early. Finding skin cancer early generally makes it easier to treat.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Cancer Council Australia — Check for signs of skin cancer
- Healthdirect Australia — Skin cancer and melanoma and Should I be checked for skin cancer?
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you notice a new or changing spot on your skin, please see your GP. Only a doctor can assess whether a spot needs treatment.
