Why Skin Checks Matter

Early detection, sun exposure, and protecting your long-term health

Why skin cancer can be easy to miss

Skin cancer often develops quietly. Many early changes cause no pain, no itching, and no obvious symptoms. In Australia, most skin cancers relate to cumulative sun exposure over many years, not just recent sunburn. This means changes can appear long after the damage occurred, making regular skin checks an important part of preventive health.

What a skin check aims to do

A skin check allows your GP to examine your skin for moles, freckles, or lesions that look different from the surrounding skin or from how they appeared before. The aim is not to alarm, but to identify patterns or changes early, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are better. Early detection remains one of the strongest protective factors against serious skin cancer outcomes.

Who benefits most from regular skin checks

Everyone benefits from periodic skin checks, but some people face a higher lifetime risk and may need more frequent review. This includes people with fair skin, light eyes, or light or red hair, those with a history of frequent sunburns, and people who spend significant time outdoors for work or recreation. Risk also increases if you have many moles, freckles, or moles that look unusual, or if you have a family history of skin cancer. Age matters too, as risk rises over time with accumulated sun exposure.

Why changes matter more than one spot

Skin cancer does not always look dramatic. Sometimes the most important sign is change: a mole that grows, darkens, lightens, bleeds, crusts, or looks different from others nearby. Comparing your skin over time helps both you and your GP recognise these changes early, rather than relying on memory alone.

Prevention still plays a key role

Skin checks work best alongside everyday sun protection. Using sunscreen regularly, choosing shade when available, wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoiding deliberate tanning all reduce further damage. Getting to know your own skin through regular self-checks also helps you notice changes between appointments.

When to book a GP review

If it has been more than a year since your last skin check, or if you notice any new or changing spots, a GP review is appropriate. Your GP can assess whether monitoring, imaging, biopsy, or referral is needed, and explain findings in clear, practical terms. Regular checks support peace of mind as well as early action.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.