When to get a skin check, and who to see

Get a skin check as soon as you notice a spot that is new, changing or unlike the rest. You don’t need to wait for a routine appointment. Cancer Council Queensland says the state has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. More than 4,000 people are diagnosed each year. So it pays to know which changes matter and who to see about them.

This guide covers when to get a skin check and the signs to act on. It also shows where a live consultation with us fits. It also covers where it doesn’t.

Key points

• See a GP promptly about any new, changing or unusual spot.
• There’s no set schedule for everyone. If you’re at high risk, Healthdirect suggests a full skin check every 6 months.
• Most skin cancers are found by people checking their own skin.
• A changing mole needs an in-person examination. Telehealth can’t do that part.

When to see a GP about a spot

Book an in-person check with your GP if a spot looks or feels different, or if it changes. Cancer Council Australia lists these signs:

• a spot that looks and feels different from the other spots on your skin
• a spot that has changed size, shape, colour or texture
• a spot that is tender or sore to touch
• a sore that doesn’t go away within a few weeks
• a sore that is itchy or bleeds

Healthdirect also suggests the ABCDE check for moles. It asks 5 questions about a spot:

• Asymmetry: do the 2 halves look different?
• Border: is the edge jagged or spreading?
• Colour: is it uneven, blotchy or several shades?
• Diameter: is it getting bigger?
• Evolution: has it changed over time?

A GP may look closely at a spot with a lit magnifier, called a dermatoscope. If something looks suspicious, they might take a small sample for testing or refer you to a dermatologist.

How often should you get a skin check?

There’s no single rule for everyone. Cancer Council Australia says there is no set guideline on how often to check for skin cancer. If you’ve had a skin cancer or are at higher risk, your GP will set a schedule for check-ups. Healthdirect suggests a full skin check every 6 months for people at high risk.

For most people, the routine part is checking your own skin and acting quickly on changes. Cancer Council Queensland says the evidence supports this targeted approach over checking the whole population. People at high risk may benefit from GP skin checks as part of their usual care.

Who is at higher risk of skin cancer?

About 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70, says Cancer Council Australia. It becomes more common as you get older. These things raise your risk:

• pale or freckled skin that burns easily, red or fair hair, and blue or green eyes
• a pattern of short, intense sun exposure and sunburn, such as on weekends and holidays
• working outdoors, or spending a lot of time outside
• having used solariums
• lots of moles, or moles with an irregular shape and uneven colour
• a previous skin cancer, or skin cancer in the family
• a weakened immune system, including from some medicines

People with darker skin have more natural protection, but they can still get skin cancer. It sometimes shows up on less sun-exposed areas, such as the soles of the feet.

How to check your own skin

Undress in a room with good light and use a full-length mirror. Check your whole body, including your scalp, palms, soles and nails. Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help with your back and the back of your neck.

Cancer Council suggests a reminder on the first of each month, or a check each new season. It’s easier to spot a change once you know your usual freckles and moles.

Photos can help you track a spot. But apps that claim to assess a spot for you aren’t reliable. A 2020 review in the BMJ found the studies behind these apps were small and of poor quality. If a spot worries you, see your GP.

Why sun protection matters in Queensland

Cancer Council Queensland says Queenslanders need protection from strong UV all year. Cancer Council Australia advises protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. That includes cool or cloudy days. On a Queensland summer day, skin can burn in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.

The 5 steps still hold up. Slip on clothing that covers your skin. Slop on SPF 50 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, and reapply every 2 hours. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.

Sunscreen has local evidence behind it. In a trial in Nambour, on the Sunshine Coast, adults used sunscreen either daily or as they chose. Ten years after the trial ended, the daily group had 11 new melanomas and the other group had 22.

Which skin concerns suit a live consultation?

A live consultation suits skin questions that don’t need someone to examine a spot up close. That might be your current routine or a skin condition you already manage. It might be how sleep, stress or medicines play a part. Ongoing conditions such as eczema or acne are common examples.

Here’s where we draw the line. If you raise a new or changing spot, your practitioner will point you to an in-person check with your GP. They won’t try to assess it on screen. They may also suggest a referral, more tests, or no treatment at all. Any treatment is discussed only where clinically appropriate.

You can read more about skin and aesthetics consultations and how a consultation works.

When a rash needs urgent care

Most rashes settle on their own. Healthdirect says a sudden rash with fever, pain or bruising that doesn’t fade when pressed needs urgent medical help. Call triple zero (000) in an emergency. A telehealth appointment is the wrong place to start in that case.

Common questions

Can a skin cancer check be done by telehealth?

A full skin cancer check needs someone to examine your skin in person, often with a dermatoscope. A live consultation can cover your history, your risk and your routine. It can’t replace the physical check. If a spot worries you, book with your GP first. You can bring other skin questions to us afterwards.

Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?

You don’t need a referral to see a dermatologist, according to Healthdirect. A referral from your GP may help you get money back through Medicare. Fees vary, so ask the clinic before you book. Many people start with their GP, who can check the spot and refer you on if needed.

Do I still need sunscreen in a Brisbane winter?

Often, yes. Cancer Council says UV is present every day of the year. In Queensland, strong UV calls for protection in every season. Check the daily UV Index in the free SunSmart app rather than going by the temperature. When it’s 3 or above and you’re outside, use sun protection.

Where can I get a skin check in Brisbane?

Most GPs do skin checks, and some clinics focus only on skin cancer. If you don’t have a regular GP, the Healthdirect Service Finder lists GPs near you. Ask about the fee when you book, as it varies between clinics. Mention any spot that worries you so they allow enough time.

What happens if my GP finds something?

Your GP will explain what they’ve found and what comes next. They might send a small sample for testing, refer you to a dermatologist or plan to watch the spot. If nothing looks suspicious, Healthdirect suggests asking when you should come back for your next check.

Next steps

If you have a spot that’s changing, see your GP first. For everything else on your list, such as your routine or a skin condition you’re managing, book a consultation. You’ll see the consultation fee before you book. For common questions about fees and practitioners, see our FAQs, or read what to expect from a telehealth consult.

Sources

• Cancer Council Australia, Skin cancer cause, symptoms and risks, updated 21 September 2026.
• Cancer Council Australia, UV Index.
• Cancer Council Queensland, Protecting your skin.
• Healthdirect, Should I be checked for skin cancer?, reviewed December 2024.
• Healthdirect, Skin cancer and melanomas, reviewed October 2025.
• Healthdirect, The role of a dermatologist, reviewed February 2026.
• Healthdirect, Rashes, reviewed December 2025.
• Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2011.
• Freeman K, et al. Algorithm based smartphone apps to assess risk of skin cancer in adults. BMJ, 2020.