Doctor performing a full body skin cancer screening at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic

Skin Cancer Screening

Full Body Skin Cancer Screening: What to Expect, Who Needs It and How Much It Costs


Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic · Templestowe, Melbourne · Updated May 2026


⏱ 8 min read

🏥Purpose-Built
Clinic
👨‍⚕️Specialist
Doctors
🔬Digital
Dermoscopy
📋No Referral
Required
📍Templestowe
Melbourne

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. A full body skin cancer screening is the single most effective step you can take to protect yourself — and at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic in Templestowe, you can book one today with no referral required.

In This Article

  • What a full body skin cancer screening involves
  • Who should get one — and how often
  • What to expect during your appointment
  • How much it costs and Medicare coverage
  • The ABCDE rule for checking moles at home
  • 7 FAQs answered by our specialists

What Is a Full Body Skin Cancer Screening?

A full body skin cancer screening — also called a full body skin check — is a systematic, head-to-toe examination of your entire skin surface performed by an experienced skin cancer doctor. It is non-invasive, painless, and typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

During the screening, your doctor visually assesses every area of your skin, including spots that are hard to see yourself — your scalp, behind your ears, between your toes, under your nails, and the soles of your feet. They look for unusual moles, lesions, or growths that may warrant further investigation.

At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, screenings use advanced digital dermoscopy to capture images and track changes in moles over time — going well beyond a standard visual check. Learn more about our

Skin Cancer Screening & Check service
.Skin cancer specialist examining a patient's skin with a dermatoscope

Our specialist doctors use digital dermoscopy to examine moles and lesions with precision.

Who Should Get a Full Body Skin Cancer Screening?

Anyone living in Australia should consider regular skin cancer screenings — Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with 2 out of every 3 Australians diagnosed by age 70. Certain groups are at higher risk and should prioritise earlier, more frequent checks.

Risk Level Who This Applies To Recommended Frequency
High Risk Personal/family history of melanoma, many moles, fair skin, previous skin cancer Every 3–6 months
Moderate Risk Significant sun exposure history, atypical moles, outdoor workers Every 6–12 months
General Population All Australian adults, regardless of history Every 1–2 years

What Happens During a Full Body Skin Cancer Screening?

Knowing what to expect makes your appointment less daunting. Here is what happens at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, step by step:

1

Brief Medical History

Your doctor reviews your sun exposure history, family history, any moles of concern, and current medications.

2

Head-to-Toe Examination

A complete visual scan of your skin — including scalp, ears, groin, soles of feet, and fingernails — areas you cannot easily check yourself.

3

Digital Dermoscopy

Suspicious moles are examined using a dermatoscope — a magnifying device that reveals subsurface patterns invisible to the naked eye.

4

Results & Next Steps

Your doctor discusses findings, recommends follow-up if needed, and may arrange a biopsy or
mole mapping on the same visit.

The ABCDE Rule: How to Check Your Moles Between Appointments

Between professional screenings, use the ABCDE rule to monitor your moles at home. If you notice any of the following, contact the clinic promptly — do not wait for your next scheduled appointment.

🔍 Parameter What to Look For
A Asymmetry One half of the mole does not match the other in shape or size.
B Border Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C Colour Multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within a single mole.
D Diameter Larger than 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) — though melanomas can be smaller.
E Evolving Any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.

How Much Does a Skin Cancer Screening Cost?

A Medicare rebate applies to most consultations at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic. The out-of-pocket cost depends on the type of appointment and any additional procedures required.

Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic reception and consultation rooms in Templestowe Melbourne
Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic — Level 4, 200 High Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107.

Related Services and Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a full body skin cancer screening?
＋
A full body skin cancer screening is a thorough examination of your entire skin surface by a trained skin cancer doctor. Using dermoscopy and digital imaging, the doctor checks every area — including your scalp, under fingernails, between toes, and other hard-to-see spots — for unusual moles, lesions, or spots that could indicate early skin cancer.

How long does a skin cancer screening take?
＋
At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, a standard skin check typically takes 15–20 minutes. If you have a high number of moles or spots requiring investigation, or if additional procedures like a biopsy or dermoscopy are needed, it may take longer. Your doctor will always take the time needed to examine your skin thoroughly.

Do I need a referral for a skin cancer screening?
＋
No. At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, no referral is required. You can book directly through the website or by calling 03 8840 1410. Both self-referred and doctor-referred patients are welcome.

How often should I get a full body skin cancer screening?
＋
It depends on your personal risk level. High-risk individuals (family history of melanoma, many moles, fair skin, significant sun exposure) should be screened every 3–6 months. Moderate-risk individuals should book every 6–12 months. The general population is advised to have a check at least once a year. Your doctor at Manningham will recommend the right frequency for you.

Is skin cancer screening covered by Medicare?
＋
Yes — a Medicare rebate applies to most consultations depending on the time taken and type of service. A standard consultation starts at $148 on weekdays, with the Medicare rebate reducing your out-of-pocket cost. Pension card holders pay $94. Additional procedures such as biopsies may incur extra fees, to which Medicare rebates also partially apply.

What should I wear to a skin cancer screening?
＋
Wear loose-fitting, easy-to-remove clothing. A two-piece outfit is ideal as it allows the doctor to access and examine all areas of your skin efficiently. Remove nail polish before your appointment so the doctor can check under your nails. Avoid heavy make-up if possible.

What happens if something suspicious is found?
＋
If your doctor identifies a mole or lesion of concern, they will discuss their findings with you clearly and calmly. The next steps may include a skin biopsy (a small tissue sample taken for pathology), cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen for precancerous spots, or a referral for further assessment. In many cases, suspicious-looking spots turn out to be benign — but catching anything early significantly improves treatment outcomes.

About This Clinic

Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, Templestowe

Our consulting doctors are highly trained skin cancer specialists who use advanced dermoscopy and digital imaging to detect skin cancer early. We are a purpose-built facility — not a general practice — meaning every doctor at our clinic is focused entirely on skin cancer care.

📍 200 High Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107
📞 03 8840 1410
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

Book Your Appointment Today

Ready for Your Full Body
Skin Cancer Screening?

Early detection saves lives. No referral required. Book online or call our Templestowe clinic directly — our specialist team is here to help.

Level 4, 200 High Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Fortnightly Saturdays 9am–12:30pm

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified skin cancer specialist for personalised guidance.