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Have you noticed a new spot on your skin that was not there last summer? Perhaps a mole looks slightly different, or a small sore keeps returning without healing.

It is easy to dismiss these changes, especially when they do not hurt. However, changes in your skin can sometimes be an early warning sign of skin cancer.

Australia experiences high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and Brisbane residents can be exposed to damaging UV even when the weather feels cool or cloudy. Over time, UV exposure can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.

The good news is that knowing what to look for and seeking medical advice when something changes can help identify concerning skin lesions earlier.

If you are considering a skin check in Aspley, this guide explains what happens during an appointment, how often you may need a check, the ABCDE warning signs and what your GP may recommend if a spot needs further investigation.

Why Queensland Skin Needs Extra Care

Queensland's outdoor lifestyle offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy parks, beaches, gardens and sporting activities. However, regular exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of skin damage over time.

UV radiation is not the same as heat. You can experience damaging UV levels on a cool or overcast day, so relying on temperature alone is not a reliable way to decide whether you need sun protection.

Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones. Your individual risk depends on several factors, including your history of sun exposure, previous skin cancers, family history and the number and appearance of moles on your body.

Who May Have a Higher Risk of Skin Cancer?

You may have a higher risk if you:

• Have previously had skin cancer or a suspicious skin lesion.
• Have a close family history of melanoma.
• Have fair skin that burns easily, freckles or light-coloured eyes.
• Have numerous moles or irregular-looking spots.
• Have spent considerable time outdoors for work, sport or recreation.
• Have experienced significant sunburn in the past.
• Have a weakened immune system.

Having darker skin does not eliminate the risk of skin cancer. Although melanin offers some natural protection against UV radiation, skin cancer can still develop.

Understanding your personal risk can help you and your GP decide whether a professional skin check is appropriate and how often you should have one.

What Happens During a Skin Check?

If you have never had a skin check before, you may be unsure what to expect. A GP skin check generally involves discussing your medical history, examining your skin and deciding whether any areas need closer investigation.

The exact process varies according to your concerns, risk factors and the clinician's approach.

Step 1: Discuss Your Skin and Medical History

Your GP may ask about your history of sun exposure, previous skin cancers, family history and any spots or moles that concern you.

Tell your doctor if you have noticed a new lesion, a mole that has changed, a sore that will not heal or a spot that repeatedly crusts or bleeds.

If you have noticed a particular change, point it out rather than assuming it will be identified during the examination.

Step 2: Prepare for the Skin Examination

A comprehensive skin check may involve examining much of your skin, depending on your needs and the agreed scope of the examination.

Your GP should explain what the examination involves before beginning. You can ask questions, discuss privacy concerns and communicate any discomfort.

You may be asked to remove some clothing so the clinician can examine areas that are not normally visible. You can discuss your comfort and any concerns with the practice beforehand.

Step 3: Examine Your Skin

Your GP will look for suspicious spots, changes in existing moles, unusual lumps and lesions that may need further assessment.

Depending on the examination, this may include areas such as your scalp, back, arms, legs, hands, feet and nails. Skin cancers can develop on different parts of the body, including areas that receive less direct sunlight.

A dermatoscope may be used to examine a spot more closely. This handheld instrument provides magnification and lighting that can help the clinician assess certain features of a skin lesion.

A dermatoscope can assist the examination, but it does not replace clinical judgement or laboratory testing when further investigation is needed.

Step 4: Discuss the Findings

After the examination, your GP will explain what they have found and whether any areas need monitoring, further investigation or treatment.

If no suspicious lesions are identified, you can ask when your next skin check may be appropriate.

If a spot looks concerning, your GP may recommend a biopsy, removal or referral to a dermatologist, depending on the lesion and the available services.

Remember: A normal skin check does not mean you should ignore new or changing spots afterwards. Skin awareness remains important between appointments.

How Often Should You Get a Skin Check?

There is no single screening interval that is suitable for every Australian adult. How often you need a professional skin check depends on your personal risk factors, medical history and any previous skin cancer diagnoses.

Healthdirect advises that people at high risk may need a full skin check every six months. Your GP can help determine an appropriate schedule based on your circumstances.

Consider the following general guide:

These are general considerations, not a substitute for individual advice. If you have previously had melanoma, another skin cancer or a significant immune-system condition, your follow-up requirements may differ.

Should You Wait for Your Next Skin Check if a Mole Changes?

No. If you notice a new spot or a change in an existing mole, contact your GP for advice rather than waiting months for your next scheduled appointment.

Changes in size, shape, colour or texture, as well as persistent sores or lesions that bleed, should be assessed. Not every change indicates cancer, but it is important to have concerning changes evaluated.

ABCDE Warning Signs: What Should You Look For?

The ABCDE guide is a useful way to remember some warning signs associated with melanoma. It can help you recognise changes that warrant medical attention, but it cannot identify every skin cancer.

A — Asymmetry

One half of a mole or spot looks different from the other half.

B — Border

The edges appear irregular, uneven, notched or poorly defined.

C — Colour

The spot has uneven colouring or several shades rather than a consistent appearance.

D — Diameter

The spot is growing in size. Although a diameter greater than about 6 mm is a useful warning sign, melanomas can be smaller, so size alone should not determine whether a spot is checked.

E — Evolving

The spot changes in size, shape, colour, thickness or appearance over time. New symptoms such as itching, bleeding or crusting may also warrant assessment.

The most important point is to notice changes that are unusual for your skin. Some skin cancers do not follow the classic ABCDE pattern.

Other warning signs include:

• A new lump that looks red, pale or pearly.
• A scaly or crusted spot that persists.
• A sore that does not heal after several weeks.
• A spot that repeatedly bleeds or becomes inflamed.
• A lesion that looks or feels different from other spots on your body.

If something concerns you, arrange an assessment even if it does not match every ABCDE warning sign.

What Happens if a Spot Needs a Biopsy or Removal?

Finding a suspicious lesion does not automatically mean you have skin cancer. Further testing may be needed to establish what the spot is.

Depending on the appearance, location and clinical assessment, your GP may recommend a biopsy, removal of the lesion or referral to a dermatologist.

What Is a Skin Biopsy?

A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue so it can be examined in a laboratory. The procedure depends on the type and location of the lesion and the question the clinician needs to answer.

Your doctor should explain why a biopsy is being considered, what the procedure involves, possible risks and how you will receive the results.

Does Every Suspicious Mole Need to Be Removed?

No. The recommended approach depends on the lesion and the clinical findings. Some spots may need monitoring, while others require a biopsy, removal or specialist assessment.

Do not attempt to cut, burn or remove a mole yourself. This can cause injury, infection or scarring and may delay an accurate diagnosis.

What Happens After the Results?

Your GP or treating clinician will explain the results and discuss the next steps.

If a lesion is benign, you may simply need advice about monitoring it. If skin cancer is identified, treatment will depend on the type, location and extent of the cancer. Your clinician may arrange further treatment or referral to a specialist.

If you are booking a skin check, it is reasonable to ask the practice about its arrangements for biopsies, lesion removal, pathology and follow-up appointments.

Sun Safety: Remember the Five SunSmart Steps

Skin checks can help identify concerning changes, but preventing excessive UV exposure is equally important. The Cancer Council recommends five SunSmart steps when UV levels are 3 or above.

1. Slip on Protective Clothing

Wear clothing that covers your skin, including long sleeves where practical. Choose sun-protective clothing for outdoor activities.

2. Slop on Sunscreen

Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen to exposed skin. Follow the product instructions and reapply regularly, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

3. Slap on a Hat

Choose a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire-style hat that helps protect your face, ears and neck.

4. Seek Shade

Use shade from trees, verandahs, shelters or other suitable structures, especially when UV levels are high.

5. Slide on Sunglasses

Wear sunglasses that meet Australian standards to help protect your eyes and the surrounding area from UV exposure.

Check the local UV Index rather than relying on the temperature or cloud cover. Use a combination of sun protection measures whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above.

Sun protection does not eliminate every risk, but it helps reduce unnecessary UV exposure and supports long-term skin health.

When Should You See an Aspley GP?

You do not need to wait for a routine skin check if you notice something unusual.

Arrange a GP appointment if you have:

• A new or changing mole.
• A spot that is growing, changing colour or developing an irregular border.
• A sore that does not heal.
• A lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts or becomes inflamed.
• A new lump or spot that looks different from others.
• A personal or family history that may increase your skin cancer risk.

Your GP can examine the area, discuss your risk factors and recommend an appropriate course of action. Depending on the findings, this may involve monitoring, a biopsy, removal or referral.

Seek medical advice promptly for a concerning lesion rather than trying to diagnose it using photographs or smartphone applications. These tools should not replace a clinical examination.

Book a Skin Check at Aspley Family Medical Practice

If you have noticed a skin change or want to discuss your skin cancer risk, Aspley Family Medical Practice can be a starting point for a GP consultation.

AFMDP operates on a mixed-billing basis. Fees and any Medicare rebates depend on the consultation and your circumstances, so confirm the applicable costs when booking. Do not assume a skin check or procedure will be bulk billed.

Contact the practice to confirm whether a dedicated skin check appointment is available, how long to allow and whether any additional procedures or follow-up visits may incur separate fees.

Aspley Family Medical Practice (AFMDP)

Shop 1, Aspley Arcade 2 Shopping Centre
1368 Gympie Road, Aspley QLD 4034
Phone: (07) 3263 9951
Website: www.afmdp.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Checks

What happens during a skin check with a GP?

Your GP will discuss your skin concerns, medical history and risk factors before examining relevant areas of your skin. They may use a dermatoscope to assess a spot more closely. If something appears suspicious, they may recommend monitoring, a biopsy, removal or referral.

How often should I get a skin check in Queensland?

The recommended frequency depends on your individual risk. People at high risk may need checks every six months, while others may require a different schedule. Discuss your personal history and risk factors with your GP.

What are the ABCDE signs of skin cancer?

ABCDE stands for Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter and Evolving. These features can help identify potentially concerning moles, especially changes in appearance over time. However, not every skin cancer follows these signs, so seek advice about any spot that concerns you.

Does a skin check hurt?

A visual examination is generally not painful, although you may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious during a full-body check. If a biopsy or removal is needed, the clinician should explain the procedure and pain-management options beforehand.

Will my GP remove a suspicious mole during a skin check?

Not necessarily. Whether a lesion can be removed at the practice depends on the clinical findings, the procedure required and the services available. Your GP may recommend a biopsy or referral instead.

Is a skin check bulk billed at AFMDP?

AFMDP is a mixed-billing practice, so you should not assume a skin check will be bulk billed. Contact reception to confirm the consultation fee, any applicable Medicare rebate and whether separate procedure or pathology costs may apply.

Can skin cancer develop on areas that do not get much sun?

Yes. Skin cancer can occur on different parts of the body, including areas that receive less direct sunlight. This is one reason a skin examination may cover more than just the face, arms and other commonly exposed areas.

Should I book a skin check if a mole has started bleeding?

Yes. A mole or spot that bleeds, changes or repeatedly develops a crust should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Do not wait for your next routine appointment if you are concerned.

Make Skin Health Part of Your Preventive Care

Knowing your skin and recognising changes can help you seek medical advice when it matters. Regular self-checks, appropriate professional assessments and consistent sun protection all have a role in looking after your skin.

If you have noticed a new or changing spot, or want advice about your personal skin cancer risk, speak with your GP.

Contact Aspley Family Medical Practice to discuss your concerns and confirm the availability, fees and appointment requirements for a skin check.

This article provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice. A skin check cannot guarantee that all skin cancers will be detected. Seek medical assessment for any new or changing lesion that concerns you.