A new or changing mole may be harmless, but noticing changes in your skin is an important reason to consider a professional assessment.
A skin cancer check helps a healthcare professional examine suspicious spots, moles and other skin changes to identify features that may require further investigation. At The Doctors Bushland Beach, patients in Bushland Beach and Townsville can discuss skin concerns with a medical professional and learn when a skin examination may be appropriate.
Understanding the warning signs and knowing when to arrange an assessment can help you take a proactive approach to your skin health.
What Is a Skin Cancer Check and Why Does It Matter?
A skin cancer check is a medical examination that helps identify suspicious moles, spots, lesions or other changes on the skin. A doctor can assess areas of concern and determine whether further investigation is needed. Early identification of skin cancer can support timely treatment, although not every unusual spot is cancerous.
Skin cancers can appear in different forms, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They do not always look alike, and some may develop in areas that are not regularly exposed to sunlight.
Regularly becoming familiar with your skin can help you recognise changes that deserve medical attention. If a mole appears different from your other spots, seeking advice from a doctor is an important next step.
A skin cancer check may help identify:
• New moles or unusual skin spots.
• Changes in the size, shape or colour of existing moles.
• Spots that bleed, itch or develop a crust.
• Sores that do not heal within a few weeks.
• Skin lesions that look or feel different from surrounding areas.
What Warning Signs Should You Look for in a New Mole?
A new mole does not automatically mean you have skin cancer. However, a new or changing spot should be assessed by a doctor, particularly if it looks unusual or develops concerning features. Changes in colour, size, shape or texture can be important warning signs.
One useful way to understand potential melanoma warning signs is the ABCDE approach. It helps people recognise changes that may warrant professional assessment, but it cannot identify every melanoma or replace a medical examination.
What does ABCDE mean?
• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.
• B – Border: The edges appear irregular, uneven or notched.
• C – Colour: The spot contains different colours or uneven shades.
• D – Diameter: The spot is growing or becoming larger. A size of more than 6 mm can be a warning sign, but melanomas may also be smaller.
• E – Evolving: The mole changes in appearance, texture, size or symptoms over time.
Some melanomas do not follow the typical ABCDE pattern. A spot that is new, unusual or different from other marks on your skin should be discussed with a doctor even if it does not match every warning sign.
Why Is Early Skin Cancer Detection Important?
Early detection matters because identifying and treating skin cancer at an earlier stage can improve treatment outcomes. The depth of melanoma invasion is associated with prognosis, and early identification may help reduce the likelihood of advanced disease. However, a skin check cannot guarantee that every cancer will be detected.
People often notice skin changes themselves or with the help of a partner or family member. Regularly checking your skin can help you become familiar with what is normal for you and make it easier to identify changes.
Australia experiences high levels of ultraviolet radiation, and exposure to UV radiation is a major contributor to skin cancer risk. Sun protection and awareness of skin changes are important parts of ongoing skin health.
Why should you act when you notice a change?
• Some skin cancers may grow without causing pain.
• A changing spot may require further examination.
• Early assessment can help determine the appropriate next steps.
• Medical evaluation can distinguish between possible causes of a skin change.
• Regular self-awareness supports informed discussions with your GP.
If you notice a suspicious spot, do not wait for it to become painful before seeking medical advice.
Who Should Consider a Skin Cancer Check?
Anyone who notices a new or changing spot should consider discussing it with a doctor. The need for regular professional checks depends on individual risk factors, previous skin cancer history and medical advice. There is no single routine skin check schedule that applies to every Australian adult.
Some people may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer because of factors such as significant sun exposure, a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles or a weakened immune system.
People who work outdoors or spend considerable time in the sun may also benefit from discussing their individual skin cancer risk with a healthcare professional.
When should you arrange a medical assessment?
• You notice a new mole or skin lesion.
• An existing mole changes in colour, size or shape.
• A spot repeatedly bleeds, itches or develops a crust.
• You have a personal history of skin cancer.
• You are concerned about your level of sun exposure or family history.
Your doctor can discuss your risk factors and advise whether a skin examination or additional specialist assessment is appropriate.
How Does a Doctor Perform a Skin Cancer Check?
A skin cancer check generally begins with a discussion about your concerns, medical history and relevant risk factors, followed by an examination of the skin. The specific areas examined and the techniques used depend on the patient’s needs and the doctor’s clinical assessment.
A doctor may examine a suspicious mole or lesion more closely using a dermatoscope, a handheld device that magnifies skin structures. If a lesion appears concerning, the doctor may recommend further investigation, referral or a biopsy, depending on the circumstances.
A skin check does not necessarily mean that a mole will be removed. Many skin changes are benign, and the appropriate next step depends on the findings of the medical examination.
What may happen during an assessment?
• You explain the skin change or area you are concerned about.
• The doctor reviews relevant medical history and risk factors.
• The skin lesion is examined.
• The doctor discusses whether monitoring, additional assessment or referral is needed.
• Further testing may be recommended if clinically appropriate.
The doctor will explain the findings and help you understand the next steps based on your individual circumstances.
How Can You Check Your Skin at Home?
Self-examination can help you notice new or changing spots between medical appointments. Cancer Council Australia recommends becoming familiar with your skin and checking areas across the body, including places that are not regularly exposed to sunlight.
Choose a well-lit space and use a full-length mirror. A handheld mirror or assistance from a family member can help you examine difficult-to-see areas such as your back, scalp and the backs of your legs.
Self-checking is not a substitute for professional medical assessment. If you notice a spot that concerns you, arrange an appointment with your GP rather than relying on photographs or smartphone applications to determine whether it is cancerous.
Areas to include in your skin check
• Face, ears, neck and scalp.
• Chest, abdomen and back.
• Arms, hands and fingers.
• Legs, feet and soles.
• Areas between fingers and toes and beneath nails.
Keeping track of changes can help you describe your concerns more clearly when speaking with your doctor.
Affordable and Accessible Skin Health Support
Affordable and accessible healthcare can make it easier for patients to seek medical advice when they notice a concerning skin change. The cost of a skin examination depends on the medical practice, the consultation type and any applicable rebates or fees.
Patients should ask about consultation costs and available services before booking. If a doctor identifies a lesion that requires further investigation, additional appointments, testing or specialist care may involve separate charges.
The priority is to seek appropriate medical advice rather than delay an assessment because a skin change seems minor. A doctor can help you understand the options available for your situation.
Why Choose The Doctors Bushland Beach?
The Doctors Bushland Beach provides medical care for patients in Bushland Beach and the surrounding Townsville area. Patients who are concerned about a new mole, unusual skin spot or changing lesion can contact the practice to discuss their concerns and arrange an appropriate consultation.
A medical assessment can help patients understand what information is needed, whether a skin examination is suitable and whether further investigation may be required.
What should patients consider?
• Explaining the reason for the appointment clearly.
• Sharing relevant medical and skin cancer history.
• Discussing any new or changing skin spots.
• Asking about follow-up assessment if needed.
• Understanding consultation fees and available medical services.
Professional medical advice can help patients make informed decisions about their skin health and respond appropriately to changes they notice.
Phone: 07 4751 3610
FAQ’s
Should I get a skin cancer check for a new mole?
A new mole should be discussed with a doctor, particularly if it looks unusual or changes over time. A medical examination can help determine whether the spot needs monitoring, further investigation or another form of assessment.
Can a harmless mole change over time?
Some moles are harmless, but a change in size, shape, colour or texture should not be assumed to be benign. Ask your doctor to examine a changing mole so its appearance can be assessed appropriately.
How often should I have a skin cancer check?
There is no single routine schedule for everyone. Your doctor can advise you based on your personal risk factors, medical history and whether you have previously had skin cancer.
Does every unusual mole mean skin cancer?
No. Many moles and skin changes are not cancerous. However, it can be difficult to identify the cause by appearance alone, so a new or changing spot should be assessed by a medical professional.
Conclusion
A new or changing mole is a reason to pay attention to your skin and seek appropriate medical advice. A skin cancer check can help assess suspicious spots and identify whether further investigation is needed. The Doctors Bushland Beach supports patients in Bushland Beach and Townsville who want to discuss skin concerns with a medical professional. Call 07 4751 3610 to arrange an appointment and take a proactive step towards looking after your skin health.
