Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year, more than 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma alone, and many thousands more are treated for non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The good news is that when skin cancer is detected early, the vast majority of cases are highly treatable. Regular skin cancer checks with a qualified doctor are one of the most important health habits you can develop.
What Is a Skin Cancer Check?
A skin cancer check is a thorough visual examination of your skin carried out by a doctor. The aim is to identify any suspicious lesions, moles, or changes to your skin that might indicate early-stage skin cancer or a pre-cancerous condition. During the examination, your doctor will look at your entire skin surface, including areas you cannot easily see yourself — such as your scalp, back, and behind your ears.
The check uses dermoscopy, a technique that uses a handheld magnifying device with a light source to examine the structure of a skin lesion in detail. This allows doctors to assess lesions that might appear normal to the naked eye but have suspicious characteristics when examined more closely. At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, our doctors use advanced dermoscopy equipment to give you the most thorough assessment possible.
How Often Should You Have a Skin Check?
The recommended frequency of skin checks depends on your individual risk profile. For most adults, an annual skin check is a reasonable baseline. However, if you have a history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, a family history of melanoma, or significant cumulative sun exposure, your doctor may recommend more frequent checks — such as every six months.
| Risk Level | Who This Applies To | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Risk | Adults with no significant history or risk factors | Once a year |
| Moderate Risk | Many moles, fair complexion, outdoor work | Every 6–12 months |
| High Risk | History of skin cancer, family history of melanoma | Every 3–6 months |
Who Is at Risk of Skin Cancer?
Certain people face a higher risk of developing skin cancer than others. Understanding your risk factors helps your doctor assess findings in context and plan appropriate monitoring. Even if you do not fall into a high-risk category, skin cancer can affect anyone.
Skin Type & Genetics
- Fair skin, light hair and light eyes
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- More than 50 moles or atypical moles
Sun Exposure
- History of sunburn, especially childhood blistering
- Outdoor occupation, recreation or sport
- Living in high UV regions (most of Australia)
Health Factors
- Weakened immune system due to illness or medication
- Previous history of skin cancer treatment
- Use of tanning beds
What to Expect at Your Skin Check at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic
At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, skin cancer checks are conducted by our experienced doctors in a private, comfortable setting. You will be asked to undress to your underwear so your entire skin surface can be examined. You may wish to bring a companion, or you can request a chaperone if preferred.
Your doctor will work systematically through each area of your body, noting any lesions that warrant closer inspection. If a mole or lesion requires further assessment, your doctor will use a dermatoscope to examine it in more detail and may photograph it for monitoring over time. This is also a good opportunity to flag anything that has changed or is new since your last check.
What Happens If Something Suspicious Is Found?
If your doctor identifies a lesion that appears suspicious, they will discuss their findings with you and recommend next steps. Options may include:
- Monitoring — a follow-up check in a few months if the lesion appears borderline
- Biopsy — a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to pathology; learn more about our biopsy services
- Referral — to a specialist for more complex lesions
- In-practice removal — for benign lesions the patient wants removed for cosmetic reasons
A biopsy is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic and typically takes only a few minutes. Pathology results are usually available within one to two weeks.
The Difference Between Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers
Not all skin cancers are the same. Understanding the different types helps you know what your doctor is looking for during a check. You can read a detailed comparison in our guide on melanoma vs non-melanoma skin cancer.
| Type | How It Appears | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Melanoma | New or changing mole; irregular shape, multiple colours, diameter over 6mm | Most dangerous; can spread |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | Pearly or waxy bump; flat flesh-coloured lesion; recurring sore | Rarely spreads; causes local damage |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) | Firm red nodule; flat scaly lesion; new sore on existing scar | Can spread if untreated |
The ABCDE rule for melanoma is a useful self-check guide: look for Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colours, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolution or change over time. For more detailed information, visit the Cancer Council Australia skin cancer resource.
Mole Mapping: The Next Level of Skin Monitoring
For patients with a high number of moles or an elevated risk profile, mole mapping provides a more comprehensive baseline than a standard check alone. Mole mapping creates a systematic photographic record of all your moles, allowing your doctor to compare changes over time with greater precision. You can read everything about this service in our guide: Full Body Mole Mapping in Melbourne.
Protecting Your Skin Between Checks
A skin check is not a substitute for daily sun protection. Between your appointments, protect your skin by following these evidence-based steps recommended by the SunSmart Australia program:
- Apply SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days
- Wear protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors
- Seek shade during peak UV hours between 10am and 2pm
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes
- Avoid tanning beds entirely — they significantly increase your risk of melanoma
Book Your Skin Cancer Check in Templestowe
Don’t wait until something looks obviously wrong. Many skin cancers are difficult to spot with the naked eye. Early detection is the most reliable way to keep skin cancer from becoming a serious problem. Our clinic is open six days a week in Templestowe, Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a skin cancer check take?
A full-body skin cancer check typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of lesions to be examined. If a lesion requires detailed dermoscopy or photography, additional time may be needed. We recommend booking a standard appointment and letting our reception team know you are coming for a full-body check.
Is a skin cancer check painful?
No. A skin cancer check is a non-invasive visual and dermoscopic examination and is completely painless. If a biopsy is required following the check, local anaesthetic is used so you should not feel significant discomfort during the procedure.
Can I get a Medicare rebate for a skin cancer check?
A skin cancer check with your GP is covered under Medicare as a standard consultation, which means a Medicare rebate applies. The amount you pay out of pocket depends on the billing arrangements of the individual clinic. Please contact our reception for current fee information.
What should I do to prepare for my skin check?
Remove nail polish from your fingers and toes before your appointment, as the skin beneath nails is also checked. Avoid applying fake tan or any products that could obscure skin lesions. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to remove. If you have any lesions you are particularly concerned about, make a note to point these out to your doctor.
What is the difference between a skin check and mole mapping?
A skin check is a clinical examination of your skin at a single point in time. Mole mapping adds a photographic dimension — your moles are systematically photographed so that future changes can be identified by comparing images side by side. For patients with many moles or a high-risk profile, mole mapping provides an additional layer of detection precision. Read our guide on mole mapping at Manningham.
How do I know if a mole is dangerous?
Use the ABCDE rule as a guide: look for Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colours, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolution (any change in size, shape, colour or symptoms like itching or bleeding). However, some dangerous lesions look ordinary to the untrained eye — which is why a professional check by a trained doctor using dermoscopy is essential. Do not rely solely on self-examination.