What Is a Mole Screening and Why Is It Important?

Mole screenings are an important part of preventive health care. Moles are normal and everyone has them, but when you’ve noticed the slightest changes or just want peace of mind, it’s never a bad idea to get a skin cancer check. It could be one of the most important steps you take for your health.

Today, we’ll explain what happens and what you should expect during a mole screening, who should get checked, how often you should do it, when to get a skin check, and why early detection makes a difference.

Understanding moles: What’s normal and what’s not?

Mole removals on the face are typically done for health or cosmetic reasons.

Most people have between 10 to 40 moles on their body, and as the years go by they change slowly. Some grow lighter in colour, some are raised, and others develop hair. Moles may not change at all and some will disappear over time.

So, how do you identify the abnormalities? How do you know when to get moles checked?

You can use a simple guide, skin experts call the ABCDEs of identifying suspicious moles at home:

• A – Asymmetry. Check if one half of the mole doesn’t match the other. Cancerous moles tend to be asymmetrical.
• B — Border. Look at the edges. Do they look jagged, irregular, or blurred? Moles may be cancerous if the edges look odd.
• C — Colour. Normal moles are typically tan, brown, or black. Cancerous moles, on the other hand, can appear uneven in colour or sometimes exhibit different shades.
• D — Diameter. Any mole with a diameter greater than 6mm (approximately the size of a pencil eraser) is worth a mole cancer check.
• E — Evolving. Normal moles are static, meaning they don’t change. Any changes in shape, colour, or elevation over time could be a sign of cancer.

If you notice any of the signs cited above, it’s time for a professional cancer mole check. Catching these changes early can help prevent melanoma from progressing.

Why do mole checks matter in Australia?

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, remains a public health concern for Australians in 2025. According to the Melanoma Institute of Australia, approximately 16,800 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma.

• Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.
• Melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer for 20-39-year-olds in Australia.
• 95% of melanoma cases are primarily caused by harmful UV radiation exposure

This is why regular skin cancer screenings are so crucial. Early detection leads to less invasive treatment, faster recovery, and better outcomes.

Learn more about the early signs of skin cancer with our Skin Cancer Information.

Who should get a mole screening?

• People with a family history of melanoma
• Anyone with a personal history of nonmelanoma skin cancers
• People aged 65 and up
• People who frequently spend time under the sun
• Individuals who have fair skin, light-coloured eyes and hair, or freckles
• Anyone who has a high number of large or irregularly-shaped moles

And if you want to know at what age you should start getting skin checks, the answer is ‘early’. It’s never too soon to be proactive about mole screening or melanoma screening.

What happens during a mole screening?

Mole screenings are a non-invasive and painless process that only takes 10-15 minutes.

The provider will do a visual and full-body examination. They will check obvious spots, like your face and limbs, and the less-obvious areas of your body, like your scalp and the soles of your feet. The provider will check for lesions and unusual moles and may also take photographs for future reference.

Skin specialists may also perform a dermoscopy, where a handheld magnifying tool is used to look deeper into suspicious spots, or mole mapping to digitally track moles for high-risk individuals.

After the examination, the skin specialist will discuss the findings, answer any questions that patients may have, and recommend follow-up appointments if needed. If a mole looks concerning, a biopsy or mole removal may be recommended and arranged.

How often should you get a mole cancer check?

The number of times an individual goes to a mole screening varies by individual. For low-risk individuals, booking an appointment every 1-2 years is all right. For those who are moderate to high-risk, a mole screening every 6-12 months is advised.

Your skin specialist can help create a personalised screening plan based on your personal and family history and current skin health.

Finding a qualified professional in Australia

A skilled and experienced skin specialist makes all the difference in making accurate diagnoses and providing peace of mind. As you look for a mole screening clinic, make sure to:

• Ask your general practitioner for a referral.
• Check clinics that specialise in skin cancer.
• Look for reviews and testimonials.
• Confirm the clinic’s full-body checks and diagnostic tools.

Prioritise your skin health

Early detection is key to saving lives. Something as simple and quick as a mole screening could catch early signs of melanoma and other skin conditions before they turn serious.

If you’re due for a check or just want expert advice, do not delay. Contact our clinic or book a professional skin cancer check today.