SKIN CHECKS

What Can I Expect During a Skin Check?

A full-body skin check is a comprehensive examination performed by our skin cancer doctor. They will systematically assess your skin from head to toe, including areas that may be difficult to see yourself, and use a dermatoscope where appropriate to examine individual moles and lesions more closely.

For a full skin check, you will generally be asked to undress to your underwear so the doctor can properly examine your skin. If you have a particular mole, spot or lesion that concerns you, please point it out at the beginning of your appointment.

If a suspicious or clinically significant lesion is identified, it may be photographed and documented using DermEngine. Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend monitoring, biopsy, removal or further investigation. If a biopsy is required, it may be possible to perform it during the same appointment where clinically appropriate and time permits.

What Is a Spot Check?

A Spot Check is a focused examination of a particular mole, lesion or area of concern. It may be suitable if you are not looking for a full head-to-toe skin examination but have noticed one or a small number of spots that you would like assessed.

You may wish to book a Spot Check if you have noticed a new mole, a change in size, shape or colour, bleeding, crusting, persistent itching, irritation, or a sore that does not appear to heal. If a particular lesion concerns you, it is reasonable to have it checked.

How Do I Know If a Spot Could Be Skin Cancer?

Our doctor will thoroughly examine any concerning spots. At home, you can use the ABCDE rule as a guide:

• Asymmetry: One half of a spot doesn’t match the other.
• Border: Edges may become irregular, uneven, notched or blurred.
• Colour: Look for changes in colour, uneven pigmentation or several colours within the same lesion.
• Diameter: A mole that is increasing in size may need assessment. Size is only one feature, and small lesions can still require examination.
• Evolving: Changes in size, shape, colour, height, texture, sensation or appearance over time.

The ABCDE guide can be helpful, but not every skin cancer follows this pattern. If you notice something new, unusual or changing, even if it does not meet all of these characteristics, it is still worth having it examined.

How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer?

Preventing skin cancer includes being aware of your skin, protecting yourself from unnecessary UV exposure and attending professional skin checks when appropriate. Protective measures may include using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade and monitoring your skin for new or changing lesions.

There is no single skin check schedule that is right for everybody. How often you should have your skin examined may depend on your age, skin type, sun exposure, number of moles and your personal or family history of skin cancer. Your doctor can advise you based on your individual level of risk.

Do I Need to Worry About Skin Cancer if I Have Darker Skin?

Skin cancer can affect people with different skin types. Regardless of your skin tone, it is important to be familiar with your skin and have new, unusual or changing lesions assessed by a doctor.

What SPF Should I Use?

For effective protection, we recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen. Choose a physical (mineral) option with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone or avobenzone. Reapply regularly, especially if you’re outdoors for extended periods.

Your skin’s health is our priority. A proactive approach to prevention and early detection can make all the difference.

How Much Is a Skin Check?

At Skin Cancer Canberra, we operate under a private billing framework.

• Standard Full Skin Check Consultation (Normal Hours): These typically span 30 to 40 minutes and are priced at $250.00. The Medicare rebate is $87.10, with an out-of-pocket expense of $162.90.
• Standard Spot Check (Normal Hours): These typically span 30 minutes and are priced at $200.00. The Medicare rebate is $87.10, with an out-of-pocket expense of $112.90.

For Saturday, outside business hours, extended consultation, and procedure fees, please see our fees page.

If you have any concerns about a mole or other spot on your skin, please contact us for an appointment on 1300 378 336.