Skin Cancer Awareness – When to Get a Check

Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia. Many people only think about their skin after noticing something new or after a spot that has been there for a while starts to look different.

Knowing what to look for can make it easier to decide when a check is worth arranging.

This article explains the common signs to watch for and when it is sensible to have your skin checked by a GP.

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters in Australia

Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Years of UV exposure build up over time, and the effects are not always immediately visible.

Skin checks are not about becoming alarmed every time you notice a freckle. They are about staying familiar with your skin so that anything new or changing is easier to spot. Noticing changes early allows you to have them assessed sooner.

Common Signs to Look Out For

Most skin changes are harmless. Some, however, are worth having reviewed by a GP. The following signs are worth paying attention to:

• a new spot that was not there before
• a mole that changes in size, shape, or colour
• a patch that feels rough, scaly, or crusty
• a spot that bleeds, itches, or becomes sore
• a sore that does not heal over several weeks
• a spot that simply looks different from the rest of your skin

These are the kinds of changes Australian health guidance consistently points to as reasons to seek a GP review.

If you have noticed a new spot, a changing mole, or a sore that is not healing, a GP skin check can help assess the area and guide you on the next step.

A Simple Way to Check Your Skin at Home

You do not need any special equipment to check your own skin. The most useful habit is simply becoming familiar with what is already there.

Get to know your usual moles, freckles, and spots. Over time, you will notice if something new appears or if an existing spot starts to look different. For areas that are hard to see, such as your back or scalp, ask a partner or family member to help.

Regular self-checks are not a replacement for a GP review. They are a way of noticing changes that might otherwise be easy to miss.

Use the ABCDE Guide for Suspicious Spots

The ABCDE guide is a practical tool for assessing whether a spot may need further review. It was developed to help identify warning signs associated with melanoma.

• A – Asymmetry: one half of the spot does not match the other
• B – Border: edges look irregular, uneven, or notched
• C – Colour: different shades or uneven colour across the spot
• D – Diameter: the spot appears to be getting larger
• E – Evolving: the spot is changing over time in any way

If a spot meets one or more of these criteria, it is worth speaking with a GP. The guide is not a diagnostic tool, but it is a useful starting point for deciding whether a review is appropriate.

When It Is Worth Getting a Skin Check

There are several situations where arranging a GP skin check is a sensible step:

• You notice a new spot after a period of sun exposure
• An existing mole changes over several weeks or months
• a sore, patch, or spot does not heal as expected
• a lesion bleeds, crusts, itches, or becomes tender
• something on your skin simply looks different from your other spots
• You have not had a skin check in a long time, and want a general review

You do not need to be certain that something is wrong to book a check. If something is drawing your attention, that alone is a reasonable reason to have it assessed.

Valentine Healthcare offers GP skin cancer checks for patients who have noticed new or changing skin spots, or who would like a GP assessment of any concerns.

Who Should Be Especially Careful

Some people may benefit from more regular skin checks based on their personal history and circumstances. This includes:

• older adults who have accumulated significant UV exposure over their lifetime
• people with fair skin, light hair, or a large number of moles or freckles
• Anyone with a personal or family history of skin cancer
• outdoor workers and tradespeople with long-term sun exposure, such as builders, gardeners, and drivers
• Anyone who has had a severe sunburn at any point in their life

If you fall into one or more of these groups, it is worth speaking with your GP about how often a skin check may be appropriate for you.

What Happens During a Skin Check With a GP

A GP skin check is a straightforward consultation. The doctor will ask about any spots or changes you have noticed and how long they have been there.

The area is then examined closely. Your GP may use a dermatoscope, a small handheld tool that allows a more detailed look at a spot. After examining the skin, the GP will explain whether home monitoring, a follow-up review, or any further action may be appropriate.

The process is calm and practical. It is simply about getting clarity on anything that has been concerning you.

Do Not Ignore a Spot Just Because It Does Not Hurt

This is one of the most important points to understand about skin changes.

Many skin spots that are worth checking do not cause any pain at all. Pain is not the main reason to seek a review. Changes in appearance, texture, or healing pattern can matter just as much. A spot that looks different, keeps changing, or simply does not heal the way it should is worth having assessed, regardless of whether it causes discomfort.

Conclusion

Skin awareness is about noticing what is new or changing on your skin. Most spots are harmless, but some are worth checking early.

If something looks different, keeps changing, or does not heal, it is reasonable to arrange a GP review. You do not need to wait until you are certain something is wrong. A skin check can provide clarity and help you make informed decisions about your health.

Whether you have a changing mole, a new skin spot, or would like reassurance about a skin concern, Valentine Healthcare provides GP skin checks and ongoing care for patients across the local community. You can book online or contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.

FAQ’s:

When should I get a skin check? 

A skin check is worth arranging if you notice a new spot, a mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour, a sore that does not heal, or any skin change that simply looks different from the rest. If you are unsure, a GP can assess the area and advise on appropriate next steps.

What changes in a mole should I watch for? 

Watch for changes in size, shape, colour, or texture. A mole that becomes asymmetrical, develops an uneven border, shows more than one colour, grows larger, or changes over time is worth having reviewed by a GP.

What does the ABCDE guide mean? 

The ABCDE guide stands for Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, and Evolving. It is a practical tool for identifying features in a spot that may warrant a GP review. If a spot shows one or more of these features, it is sensible to seek a professional assessment.

Can a GP check suspicious skin spots? 

Yes. A GP can examine suspicious spots and moles during a skin check consultation. They may use a dermatoscope for a closer look and will advise whether further review or monitoring is appropriate based on their observations.