Skin Cancer Checks & Mole Examinations
- No referral needed
- Dermatoscopic examination
- Cryotherapy on-site
- Minor procedures on-site
- Specialist referrals arranged
About this Service
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Skin cancer can often be treated effectively when detected early, which is why regular skin checks matter.
At Shire Family Medical, our GPs offer comprehensive skin checks to assess skin changes and guide next steps where required. Checks are conducted using dermatoscopy, a magnified skin examination tool that helps identify features of concern not visible to the naked eye.
No referral is needed. You can book directly with your GP for a skin check. If anything suspicious is identified, your GP will advise on next steps, which may include on-site treatment or referral to a dermatologist or surgeon.
Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime
Most common cancer diagnosed in Australia each year
of skin cancers are curable when detected and treated early
When to Book
- A new or changing mole or spot
- Skin that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal
- A spot that itches, tingles, or feels different
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Fair skin, light eyes or hair, or a history of sunburn
- Many moles or atypical moles
- Significant lifetime sun exposure
- Regular outdoor work or sport
- Peace of mind — routine annual or biannual review
Risk Factors
- Fair or freckled skin that burns easily
- History of one or more skin cancers
- Family history of melanoma
- Many moles (more than 50) or large moles
- History of severe or blistering sunburn
- Immunosuppression
- Male, aged 40 and over
- Prolonged occupational or recreational sun exposure
Men aged 40 and over are at significantly higher risk of skin cancer and less likely to present early. Annual skin checks are strongly recommended for this group.
What to Look For
The ABCDE rule is a widely used guide for identifying features of a mole or spot that may warrant medical assessment. If a spot shows any of these features, book a skin check rather than waiting.
Asymmetry
One half of the spot is unlike the other half in shape or appearance.
Border
Irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges rather than smooth and well-defined.
Colour
Uneven pigmentation, or multiple colours including shades of brown, black, red, or white.
Diameter
Larger than 6mm — approximately the size of a pencil eraser — though melanomas can be smaller.
Evolving
Any change in size, shape, colour, or a new symptom such as bleeding or itching.
Not all skin cancers follow the ABCDE pattern. If you are concerned about any spot, even if it does not fit these criteria, book a skin check. Your GP can assess it with dermatoscopy.
Your Appointment
A thorough skin check at Shire Family Medical follows a structured process from head to toe.
History & Risk Assessment
Your GP will ask about your skin history, previous skin cancers, family history, sun exposure, and any spots of concern you have noticed.
Full-Body Examination
You will be asked to remove outer clothing so your GP can examine your skin from head to toe. You may choose to have a support person present throughout the examination.
Dermatoscopic Assessment
Your GP uses a dermatoscope — a specialised magnifying instrument — to examine any spots or moles in detail. This allows features invisible to the naked eye to be assessed.
Findings & Next Steps
Your GP will discuss their findings and advise on next steps — whether that is routine monitoring, on-site treatment, biopsy, or specialist referral.
On-site Services
Where treatment is required, several options are available on-site at Shire Family Medical.
Cryotherapy
Freezing of surface lesions such as solar keratoses and certain superficial lesions using liquid nitrogen. A quick in-clinic procedure with minimal downtime.
Skin Biopsies
Tissue sampling of suspicious lesions for pathological examination. Results inform diagnosis and guide further management.
Excisions
Surgical removal of skin lesions under local anaesthetic. Fees apply — your GP will advise based on the size and location of the lesion.
Specialist Referrals
For lesions requiring specialist management, your GP will arrange a referral to a dermatologist or surgeon with an explanation of findings and clinical history.
Frequency
The right frequency depends on your individual risk factors. Your GP will advise at your appointment, but as a general guide:
- Annually — patients with a history of skin cancer or high-risk features
- Every 6 months — patients with a history of melanoma or multiple previous skin cancers
- Every 1–2 years — patients with average risk and no significant history
- As needed — any time you notice a new or changing spot
You can request a skin check at a routine appointment, although for a thorough full-body review a dedicated skin check appointment is recommended. Let our reception team know you are coming in for a skin check when booking so appropriate time is allocated.
Don’t wait for your next routine appointment if you notice a concerning spot. Book a skin check directly. Early review is always the right choice.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Your GP will examine your skin from head to toe using a dermatoscope — a specialised magnifying tool that helps identify features of concern not visible to the naked eye. You will be asked to remove outer clothing, and you may choose to have a support person present throughout the examination.
No. You can book directly with your GP at Shire Family Medical for a skin check. If anything suspicious is found, your GP will advise on next steps, which may include on-site treatment or referral to a dermatologist or surgeon.
Your GP will discuss their findings and advise on next steps. Depending on the lesion, this may include monitoring at a follow-up appointment, cryotherapy, a skin biopsy, excision, or referral to a specialist. Minor procedures can often be performed on-site. Your GP will explain all options and what to expect.
Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive examination technique using a handheld magnifying instrument with polarised light. It allows your GP to examine the internal structures of moles and lesions in detail, helping to identify features associated with skin cancer that are not visible to the naked eye. It is a standard tool for GP skin cancer assessment.
This depends on your personal risk factors. Patients with a history of skin cancer or high-risk features may need annual or more frequent checks. For others, every 1–2 years is generally appropriate. Your GP will advise the right frequency for your individual situation.
Yes, although a dedicated skin check appointment is recommended for a thorough full-body review. Let our team know when booking if you are specifically coming in for a skin cancer check so appropriate time is allocated.
Standard consultation fees apply to skin checks. Shire Family Medical is a mixed billing practice — Medicare rebates are processed on the day for eligible patients. Any on-site procedures such as biopsies or excisions attract additional fees. See our Fees page for full details.
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy surface skin lesions such as solar keratoses. The procedure is quick and performed in-clinic. Most patients experience a brief stinging or burning sensation during and immediately after treatment. The treated area may blister or crust over the following days before healing. Your GP will explain what to expect at your appointment.
Book a Skin Cancer Check
Early detection makes a significant difference. Book a skin check in Sutherland — no referral needed.
Health Articles
Guidance on skin checks, mole examinations and when to get checked.
What Happens During a Skin Check?
Learn what a GP checks for during a skin check, what dermatoscopy involves, and when a new or changing spot should be assessed.
Men’s Health Check: What It Involves and What to Discuss With Your GP
What a men's health check covers: heart health, prostate symptoms, bowel screening and mental wellbeing. A practical guide for men in…