Monitoring your skin is one of the most effective ways to catch skin cancer early. Many skin cancers begin as small changes in existing moles or new spots on the skin. By learning what to look for and how to track changes, you can take control of your skin health and reduce the risk of late diagnosis.
Why Monitoring Matters
Skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer, with more than two in three Australians expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. In 2024 alone, around 18,964 new cases of melanoma are expected, while non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma account for over 1.1 million Medicare-funded treatments every year. Queensland sadly holds the title of having the highest rate of skin cancer in Australia, with more than 4,200 people diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 alone. With such alarming figures, it’s no surprise that Queensland is often called the skin cancer capital of the world — making regular skin checks and prevention strategies more important than ever. The good news is that when detected early, most skin cancers can be treated successfully. Regular self-checks, combined with professional skin checks, help ensure no suspicious lesion goes unnoticed.
Step 1: Know Your Skin
Familiarity is key. Take time to learn what’s normal for your skin—the colour, shape, and size of your moles and freckles. This makes it easier to spot changes over time.
Tip: Check your whole body, including less obvious areas like your scalp, soles of your feet, under nails, and behind your ears.
Step 2: Use the ABCDE Rule
Dermatologists recommend using the ABCDE guide to identify suspicious spots:
- A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or jagged.
- C – Colour: Uneven colour with shades of black, brown, red, or even white and blue.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms (itching, bleeding, crusting).
Step 3: Keep a Record
Tracking changes over time is essential. You can:
- Take clear, dated photos of spots you want to monitor.
- Use a body map to mark locations.
- Compare photos every few months to detect changes.
Some clinics also offer digital dermoscopic imaging for precise monitoring—ideal for patients with many moles or high-risk histories.
Step 4: Watch for Symptoms
Not all warning signs are visual. See a doctor if a lesion becomes:
- Itchy or sore
- Bleeding or oozing
- Crusting and not healing
These changes can be as important as visual ones.
Step 5: Schedule Regular Skin Checks
Even if you are vigilant at home, professional skin checks remain the gold standard. A skin cancer doctor or trained dermoscopist can examine spots with specialised equipment and determine if further testing is needed.
Frequency depends on your risk:
- Low risk: Once every 1–2 years.
- Moderate risk: Annually.
- High risk (fair skin, family history, previous skin cancer): Every 6–12 months.
Final Take-Away
- Monitoring lesions is a shared responsibility between you and your healthcare team. By keeping an eye on changes and scheduling regular professional checks, you give yourself the best chance of catching skin cancer early—when it’s easiest to treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I have a professional skin check?
A: It depends on your risk:
- Low risk: maybe every 1–2 years, or only once for baseline unless something changes.
- Moderate risk: often annually.
- High risk: possibly every 6 months, plus regular self-checks. Australian research supports individualising interval. The Medical Journal of Australia
Q: Is there benefit in full-body photography or dermoscopy?
A: Yes, especially if you have many moles, atypical moles, or a history of skin cancer. These tools help track changes accurately. But they require expertise to interpret. RACGP+1
Q: Do I need to worry about “screening” programs?
A: At present, Australian guidelines do not recommend population-wide screening (i.e. everyone) because of lack of evidence that broad screening reduces deaths and because of issues of cost and potential overdiagnosis. RACGP+1 But, for people at higher risk, more frequent or regular checks are advised.
Why Choose Skin Check Australia?
🌞 Specialised in skin cancer detection
🌞 Advanced dermoscopy & digital monitoring
🌞 Friendly, professional clinicians with training in melanoma detection
🌞 Education provided at every step — so you know exactly what to look for
🌞 Convenient locations and easy online booking
Ready to Book Your Skin Check?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether you’ve noticed a new mole, a changing spot, or simply want peace of mind, the best time to book a professional skin check in Australia is now.
👉 Book your skin check today with Skin Check Australia and take the first step in protecting your skin.