Skin Checks
Regular skin checks can help identify suspicious changes early. Our GPs can assess your skin, discuss your individual risk and arrange further investigation or treatment when needed.
Who may be at higher risk?
Your skin cancer risk can be influenced by your skin type, sun exposure, family history and past sun damage.
Fair or freckled skin
Particularly if your skin burns easily and does not tan easily.
Light hair or eyes
Red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes can be associated with increased risk.
Sun exposure
Regular or significant exposure to UV radiation, particularly when associated with sunburn.
Outdoor lifestyle
Spending a lot of time outdoors through work, sport, gardening or other activities.
Previous tanning
A history of intentional tanning, sunbaking or using solariums.
Family history
Having close family members who have experienced skin cancer.
Understanding skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer. Your GP can assess suspicious areas and discuss whether further testing or specialist assessment is needed.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
A common type of non-melanoma skin cancer that develops from cells in the outer layer of the skin.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Another common non-melanoma skin cancer that can develop in sun-damaged skin.
Melanoma
A type of skin cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells and can be more serious if not detected early.
When should you book a skin check?
You may benefit from an appointment if you have noticed changes to your skin or have risk factors for skin cancer.
You have multiple moles or freckles.
You are concerned about a particular mole, spot or lesion.
You have noticed a new or changing area on your skin.
You had significant sun exposure or sunburn when you were younger.
You have previously used a solarium or regularly spent time outdoors.
You have not had a skin check recently and would like your skin assessed.
What happens during a skin check?
Discuss your concerns
Your GP will ask about your skin, any areas you are concerned about, your sun exposure and relevant risk factors.
Examine your skin
Your GP will examine areas of concern and may assess other areas of your skin depending on your individual circumstances.
Discuss the next steps
If something needs further assessment, your GP can discuss monitoring, treatment, biopsy or referral to a specialist where appropriate.
Get to know your skin
Checking your skin regularly can help you notice changes. If you see something new, unusual or changing, make an appointment with your GP.
Protect your skin
Skin checks are only one part of looking after your skin. Protecting yourself from UV exposure is important throughout the year, particularly when UV levels are high.
Concerned about your skin?
If you have noticed a new or changing spot, have risk factors for skin cancer, or simply have not had your skin checked recently, speak with one of our GPs.
Book a Skin Check