Skin Cancer Awareness – When to Get a Check

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, yet many people only think about a skin check after noticing a change. While many skin spots are harmless, new or changing marks, sores that do not heal, or spots that itch or bleed should not be ignored.

This guide explains what signs to watch for, when a skin check is worth arranging, and what to expect during a GP appointment. If you have noticed a skin change that does not feel normal for you, a GP skin check can help assess whether it needs review.

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters in Australia

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to strong UV exposure and years of outdoor living. Skin damage builds gradually over time, often starting in childhood, which means concerns can develop even in people who currently feel well.

The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is less common but can be more serious if found late. Knowing your skin and seeking review when something changes can support earlier detection and timely care.

Common Skin Changes That Should Not Be Ignored

Not every new spot is a cause for concern, but some skin changes are worth having assessed by a GP. Signs to watch for include:

• a new spot that looks different from your other spots
• a mole or mark changing in size, shape, colour, or texture
• a sore that has not healed after several weeks
• a spot that itches, crusts, bleeds, or weeps
• a lump or patch that looks red, pale, pearly, scaly, or rough
• a flat mark that spreads or becomes uneven

These changes do not always mean skin cancer, but they are worth checking rather than monitoring at home for too long.

The ABCDE Rule and the Ugly Duckling Sign

Two practical frameworks can help you assess a mole or spot between GP visits. Neither replaces a professional assessment, but both help you recognise when something is worth bringing to a doctor’s attention.

The ABCDE rule:

• A for asymmetry: one half of the spot does not match the other
• B for border: the edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
• C for colour: the spot has more than one colour or an uneven distribution
• D for diameter: the spot is larger than 6mm or has grown in size
• E for evolving: the spot is changing in any way over time

The ugly duckling sign:

This is a simpler concept. A concerning spot often looks or feels noticeably different from the other moles or marks on your skin. If one spot stands out from the rest, that difference alone is a reason to have it checked.

Both tools are useful for building awareness of your skin. If a spot meets any of the ABCDE criteria or looks different from everything else, a GP assessment is a reasonable next step.

When a Skin Check Is Worth Booking

A skin check is worth arranging if a spot concerns you, even if you are unsure whether it is serious. Consider booking an appointment if you have:

• a new spot that looks different from your others
• a mole or lesion changing in size, shape, colour, or texture
• a sore that has not healed after several weeks
• a spot that itches, bleeds, crusts, or weeps
• a mark that clearly stands out from the rest of your skin
• a personal or family history of skin cancer
• significant lifetime sun exposure or outdoor work history

You do not need to be certain something is wrong. A GP can assess the area and advise on the next step.

If a mole, mark, or sore has changed in appearance, become irritated, or is not healing, arrange a skin check at Huntlee Healthcare as a sensible next step.

Who May Need More Regular Skin Checks

Some people have a higher risk of skin cancer and may benefit from more regular skin reviews. This may include:

• adults over 40 with significant sun exposure
• outdoor workers in trades, farming, construction, or landscaping
• people with a personal history of skin cancer or lesion removal
• people with a family history of melanoma or skin cancer
• people with many or unusual moles
• fair-skinned people who burn easily
• people who have had organ transplants or use immunosuppressive medication

Higher-risk individuals may benefit from checks every 6 to 12 months, depending on their circumstances. A GP can advise what is appropriate for you.

What Happens During a Skin Check

A skin check is usually a straightforward GP consultation focused on any spots or skin changes of concern. A GP will often:

• ask what prompted the visit
• discuss how long the spot has been present and whether it has changed
• ask about sun exposure, skin type, and family history
• examine the area and, if appropriate, complete a broader skin review
• advise on monitoring, follow-up, or referral if needed

A GP can also explain how to monitor your skin between appointments. You do not need to know what the spot is before attending.

If you have delayed a skin check because you were unsure what to expect, book a GP consultation at Huntlee Healthcare for a straightforward assessment focused on any areas of concern.

How to Check Your Skin at Home Between Appointments

Regular self-checks can help you notice skin changes early and only take a few minutes. Useful steps include:

• check your skin in good light
• look at your whole body, not just exposed areas
• use mirrors for hard-to-see spots
• ask someone you trust to check your back or scalp
• watch for spots that are new, changing, or different
• keep note of any marks you want to monitor

A check every few months can help you recognise changes more easily over time.

When Not to Wait

Most skin checks can be booked through a routine GP appointment, but some changes should be reviewed sooner. Do not delay seeing a GP if you have:

• a spot changing quickly over days or weeks
• a sore that is bleeding or not healing
• a lesion that looks very different from your other spots
• ongoing pain, discomfort, or irritation without a clear reason

Early review can help assess the area promptly and guide any follow-up if needed.

Conclusion

Many skin changes are harmless, but new or changing spots are worth checking rather than leaving them too long. Australia’s high UV exposure means sun damage can build over time, so regular skin awareness is a practical habit for adults of all ages.

Knowing what to look for and acting on change early are the most useful steps you can take. Regular self-checks at home, along with timely GP review when needed, can help you stay on top of your skin health. If you have concerns or would like a routine skin review, Huntlee Healthcare offers GP appointments for skin checks and preventive care.