At Skin Experts, our comprehensive skin cancer check service is designed to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable. In Australia, where two in three people are diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70 (Cancer Council of Australia), regular skin checks are vital for protecting your health. Our expert dermatologists and advanced technology ensure thorough, accurate assessments, giving you peace of mind.

Why Skin Cancer Checks Matter

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally due to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from our abundant sunshine. Skin cancer, caused by UV damage to skin cell DNA, includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and rarer forms like Merkel cell carcinoma. Early detection through professional skin checks significantly improves treatment outcomes, with over 90% survival rates for early-stage melanoma and nearly 100% for non-melanoma skin cancers.

What is a Skin Cancer Check?

A skin cancer check is a thorough examination of your skin, from head to toe, to identify any suspicious moles, lesions, or changes that could indicate skin cancer or precancerous conditions like actinic keratoses. Our doctors use advanced dermoscopy and digital imaging to assess your skin with precision, ensuring no abnormality goes unnoticed.

Types of Skin Cancer We Screen For

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common skin cancer, appearing as pearly or waxy bumps, shiny nodules, or persistent sores. Rarely spreads but can cause disfigurement if untreated.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type, presenting as red, scaly patches or sores that may bleed. Can spread if not addressed early.

• Melanoma: The most dangerous form, often resembling moles with irregular borders or colors. Responsible for most skin cancer deaths but highly treatable when caught early.

• Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC): A rare, aggressive cancer with a 30% mortality rate, appearing as painless, shiny lumps.

• Actinic Keratoses (AK): Precancerous scaly growths caused by prolonged sun exposure, often on the face, scalp, or hands.

• Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi): Benign moles that resemble melanoma and increase melanoma risk up to 12 times.

Signs to Watch For

Use the ABCDE rule to monitor for melanoma and consult us if you notice:

• Asymmetry: One half of a mole doesn’t match the other.

• Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges.

• Color: Multiple or uneven colors (brown, black, red, white, blue).

• Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser size), though smaller melanomas occur.

• Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.

Other warning signs include:

• New growths or sores that don’t heal within 2-3 weeks.

• Changes in existing moles, freckles, or skin texture.

• Red, scaly patches or elevated lesions.

• Itching, tenderness, or oozing around a mole or lesion.

Who Should Get a Skin Cancer Check?

Everyone over 18 should have an annual skin check, but it’s especially critical for those at higher risk, including individuals with:

• Prior Skin Cancer: Previous diagnoses increase recurrence risk.

• Family History: A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

• Fair Skin: Less melanin means less UV protection.

• Sunburn History: Severe sunburns, especially in childhood, elevate risk (95% of melanomas are sun-related).

• Numerous Moles: Over 50 moles or atypical moles.

• Tanning Bed Use: Artificial UV exposure significantly increases risk.

• Immunosuppression: Weakened immune systems (e.g., organ transplant recipients).

• Age: Risk increases with age, though melanoma is common in young adults.

• Frequent Sun Exposure: Due to Australia’s outdoor lifestyle and high UV levels.

Our Skin Cancer Check Process

Our skin cancer checks are thorough, efficient, and tailored to your needs, taking approximately 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect:

1. Consultation: We review your medical history, sun exposure, and any skin concerns.

2. Full-Body Examination: Our doctors perform a systematic head-to-toe skin check, examining hard-to-see areas like the scalp, between toes, and under nails.

3. Dermoscopy: Using a dermatoscope, we magnify and analyze moles and lesions for detailed assessment.

4. Digital Imaging: Suspicious lesions are photographed with a specialized digital dermoscopic camera, capturing both internal (dermoscopic) and external (clinical) images for diagnosis and future comparison.

5. Diagnosis and Plan: We discuss findings immediately, recommending monitoring, biopsy, or treatment if needed. Minor procedures, like cryotherapy, may be performed during the visit if requested.

6. Prevention Advice: Receive personalized sun safety and skin monitoring tips to reduce future risk.

Advanced Technology

We use cutting-edge tools, including high-resolution dermoscopy and digital imaging systems, to ensure accurate detection. Images are securely stored for ongoing monitoring, especially for high-risk patients requiring regular checks.

Frequency of Skin Checks

• General Population: Annual checks for everyone over 18.

• High-Risk Individuals: Every 6-12 months, or more frequently if advised, based on prior skin cancer, family history, or numerous moles.

• Self-Examinations: Monthly self-checks to spot changes early, supplemented by professional screenings.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Preventing skin cancer is critical in Australia’s high-UV environment. Follow the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing (long sleeves, pants).

• Slop on SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours.

• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.

• Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

• Slide on UV-protective sunglasses.

Additional tips:

• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

• Monitor the UV Index via daily weather reports to plan outdoor activities.

• Familiarize yourself with your skin to detect changes early.

What Happens if Skin Cancer is Suspected?

If we identify a suspicious lesion, we may recommend:

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and analyzed under a microscope to confirm cancer.

• Referral: For complex cases, we may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

• Treatment: Options like surgical excision, cryotherapy, or topical treatments may be offered, tailored to the cancer type and stage.

Prognosis with Early Detection

Early detection is key to successful outcomes:

• Melanoma: Over 90% 5-year survival rate when caught early, though advanced cases are harder to treat.

• Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers (BCC, SCC): Nearly 100% curable with early intervention.

• Actinic Keratoses: Treating these precancerous lesions prevents progression to SCC.

Australia’s robust screening programs and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies for melanoma, contribute to excellent outcomes when skin cancer is detected early.

Book Your Skin Cancer Check Today

With skin cancer affecting over 1 million Australians annually, including 16,000 melanoma cases, regular checks are essential. Schedule your appointment with Skin Experts to protect your skin and health. Our thorough, compassionate approach ensures you leave informed and confident.

Aspect	Details
Duration	Up to 30 minutes
Frequency	Annually for most; 6-12 months for high-risk individuals
Technology	Dermatoscope, digital dermoscopic camera
Risk Factors	Sun exposure, fair skin, family history, prior skin cancer, tanning beds
Key Symptoms	New growths, non-healing sores, changing moles, scaly patches
Prevention	Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide; monthly self-checks
Contact	Book online or call Skin Experts for your appointment

Book Your Appointment

Early detection can save lives. Schedule your skin cancer check with Skin Experts today for expert care and peace of mind.