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A full body skin cancer check is one of the most important health appointments you can make as an Australian adult. With 2 out of 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, annual skin checks are increasingly recommended by healthcare professionals nationwide. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what happens during your appointment to how to choose the right clinic in Melbourne.
What Is a Full Body Skin Cancer Check?
A full body skin cancer check is a thorough, systematic examination of your entire skin surface — from the top of your scalp to the soles of your feet, including areas that are difficult to see yourself. The examination is performed by a trained doctor using dermoscopy, a technique that uses a handheld magnifying device with a polarised light source to examine lesions in detail.
During a mole and skin cancer check, your doctor is looking for suspicious moles, lesions, spots, or other skin changes that could indicate early skin cancer or a pre-cancerous condition. Many skin cancers look benign to the naked eye — dermoscopy allows a far more detailed assessment.
What to Expect at Your Skin Cancer Check — Step by Step
| Step | What Happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check In | Arrive at the clinic; no referral needed. Fill in a brief skin history form noting any concerns. | 5 mins |
| 2. Undress | You will be asked to undress to your underwear in a private room. A gown is provided. You can request a chaperone at any time. | 5 mins |
| 3. Full Body Examination | Your doctor examines your skin systematically — face, scalp, neck, arms, trunk, legs, and feet — using dermoscopy on any lesion of concern. | 15–25 mins |
| 4. Photography | Any suspicious or changing moles may be photographed for monitoring at follow-up appointments. | As needed |
| 5. Discussion | Your doctor discusses findings, recommends next steps (monitoring, biopsy, or treatment), and answers your questions. | 5–10 mins |
How Long Does a Full Body Skin Cancer Check Take?
At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, a full body skin cancer check typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the number of moles and lesions your doctor needs to examine in detail. Patients with a larger number of moles, those with a high-risk profile, or those attending for the first time may find their appointments run slightly longer as your doctor establishes a comprehensive baseline record.
How Much Does a Skin Cancer Check Cost in Melbourne?
The cost of a skin cancer check depends on the consultation length, the Medicare item number used, and whether any procedures such as a biopsy are performed. At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic:
- Standard skin cancer check: Medicare rebate applies; any gap fee will be confirmed at booking
- Full body mole mapping: $322 (private patients) / $252 (pensioners) with Medicare rebate
- Biopsy: Medicare item numbers apply and offset a significant portion of the cost
No referral is required. You can book directly and confirm your expected out-of-pocket cost when you call or book online.
How to Prepare for Your Full Body Skin Cancer Check
- Do not apply fake tan, heavy moisturiser, or makeup to the skin on the day of your appointment
- Remove nail polish — your doctor will check beneath your fingernails and toenails
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
- Bring a list of any moles or spots you are concerned about, or that have recently changed
- Bring your Medicare card
- If you take any immunosuppressant medications, mention this when you book — it is a relevant risk factor
What Happens If Something Suspicious Is Found?
If your doctor identifies a mole or lesion that warrants further investigation, they will explain their findings clearly and recommend next steps. Options include:
- Monitoring: The lesion is photographed and reviewed at a follow-up appointment in 3–6 months
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken under local anaesthetic and sent to pathology — results typically available within 1–2 weeks
- Immediate treatment: For lesions that appear clearly benign but the patient wants removed, or for lesions requiring urgent attention
- Referral: For complex cases that require specialist input
A biopsy is a minor, quick procedure performed under local anaesthetic. Most patients find it causes minimal discomfort and are able to return to normal activities the same day.
Who Should Get a Full Body Skin Cancer Check?
While all Australian adults benefit from regular skin checks, a full body skin cancer check is particularly important for:
- Anyone with fair skin, light hair, or a history of sunburn
- People with more than 50 moles
- Those with atypical or irregular moles
- Anyone with a personal or family history of melanoma
- Outdoor workers and those with high cumulative sun exposure
- People who haven’t had a skin check in over 12 months
Full Body Skin Cancer Check vs. Mole Mapping — What’s the Difference?
A standard full body skin cancer check is a thorough clinical examination by a doctor. Full body mole mapping adds an AI-assisted digital photographic record of every mole, creating a baseline that can be compared at future appointments to detect subtle changes. For patients with many moles or an elevated risk profile, mole mapping offers an additional layer of precision that a clinical check alone cannot provide.
Related reading:
Full Body Mole Mapping Melbourne
When Did You Last Have a Skin Cancer Check?
Skin Cancer in Australia: Key Statistics
Types of Skin Biopsies for Skin Cancer
Trusted External Resources
Cancer Council Australia — Skin Cancer Information
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Body Skin Checks
What happens during a full body skin cancer check?
Your doctor will examine your entire skin surface systematically — face, scalp, neck, arms, chest, back, abdomen, legs, and feet — using dermoscopy on any lesion that warrants closer inspection. The appointment takes 20–45 minutes. You will be asked to undress to your underwear, and a gown and chaperone are available if preferred.
How long does a skin cancer check take?
A full body skin cancer check at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Patients with more moles or a higher-risk profile may have slightly longer appointments, as more lesions require dermoscopic examination and possibly photography.
How much is a skin cancer check in Melbourne?
The cost of a skin cancer check depends on the consultation length and any procedures performed. Medicare rebates apply to eligible consultations, reducing your out-of-pocket cost. Full body mole mapping is $322 for private patients or $252 for pensioners, with a Medicare rebate. Contact the clinic directly to confirm your expected cost before booking.
Where can I get a skin cancer check in Melbourne?
Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic is a purpose-built specialist skin cancer facility located at Level 4, 200 High Street, Templestowe, Melbourne. The clinic operates Monday to Friday (9am–5pm) and fortnightly Saturdays during Spring/Summer. No referral is required — you can book online or by calling (03) 8840 1410.
Do I need to undress for a full body skin cancer check?
Yes. To examine your entire skin surface, you will be asked to undress to your underwear. A gown is provided, and the examination takes place in a private room. You can request a chaperone at any time — this is a completely routine part of the appointment and your comfort is the clinic’s priority.
How often should I get a full body skin cancer check?
Most adults should have a full body skin cancer check at least once a year. Higher-risk patients — those with a previous skin cancer history, many moles, or a family history of melanoma — may need checks every 3–6 months. Your doctor will advise the appropriate frequency at your appointment.
Do I need a referral for a skin cancer check in Melbourne?
No referral is required at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic. You can book your full body skin cancer check directly through the clinic’s website or by calling (03) 8840 1410. Medicare rebates apply to eligible consultations without a GP referral.
What is the difference between a mole check and a skin cancer check?
A mole check typically refers to a focused examination of specific moles of concern, whereas a full body skin cancer check examines your entire skin surface systematically. At Manningham, a full body check examines all moles and any other skin lesions across your entire body, not just the ones you flag.
Book Your Full Body Skin Cancer Check in Melbourne
Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic in Templestowe offers specialist skin cancer checks — no referral needed, Medicare rebates available, and appointments open Monday to Saturday.
Published by Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, 200 High Street (Level 4, Lower), Templestowe VIC 3107. This article is for general information purposes only. Please consult a qualified doctor for personalised medical advice regarding your skin health.