A Simple Guide to Staying One Step Ahead of Skin Cancer
Why Monitoring Matters
• 2 in 3 Australians will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
• In 2024, about 18,964 new melanoma cases are expected.
• 1.1+ million Medicare treatments are performed each year for non-melanoma skin cancers.
• Queensland has the highest rate in Australia — with over 4,200 melanomas in 2022.
✅ The good news: When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable.
Step 1: Know Your Skin
Familiarity is key. Learn what’s normal for your freckles and moles.
Tip: Don’t forget your scalp, soles, under nails and behind your ears.
Step 2: Use the ABCDE Rule
A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Edges are uneven, blurred or jagged.
C – Colour: Mixed shades (black, brown, red, white, blue).
D – Diameter: Bigger than 6mm (pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: Any change in size, colour or symptoms (itching, bleeding).
Step 3: Keep a Record
Changes matter. To track effectively:
• Take clear, dated photos.
• Use a body map to mark moles.
• Re-check every few months.
💡 Some clinics (like Skin Check Australia) offer digital dermoscopic imaging — precise monitoring for high-risk patients.
Step 4: Watch for Symptoms
See a doctor if a spot becomes:
• Itchy or painful.
• Bleeding or oozing.
• Crusting and not healing.
Step 5: Schedule Regular Skin Checks
Even if you self-check, professional checks are the gold standard.
How often?
• Low risk: Every 1–2 years.
• Moderate risk: Annually.
• High risk: Every 6–12 months.
Final Takeaway
Skin monitoring is a shared responsibility between you and your healthcare provider. Regular self-checks + professional reviews = your best defence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I have a professional skin check?
A: Depends on your risk:
– Low → 1–2 years or baseline check.
– Moderate → Annually.
– High → Every 6 months + self-checks.
Q: Is photography or dermoscopy helpful?
A: Yes, especially if you have many or unusual moles. These tools help track changes with precision.
Q: Should everyone be screened?
A: Current guidelines recommend checks tailored to your personal risk, not mass screening.
Why Choose Skin Check Australia?
🌞 Specialised in skin cancer detection.
📷 Advanced dermoscopy & digital mole monitoring.
👩⚕️ Friendly, professional clinicians.
📚 Education at every step — so you know what to look for.
📍 Convenient locations + easy online booking.
Ready to Book Your Skin Check?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’ve noticed a new mole, a changing spot, or simply want peace of mind –
👉 Book your skin check today with Skin Check Australia