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Skin Cancer Checks

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It usually develops when skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. If left untreated, these abnormal cells can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

How Does Skin Cancer Develop?

Skin cancer begins in the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, which contains three main types of cells:

• Basal cells
• Squamous cells
• Melanocytes (cells that produce pigment or colour in the skin)

When UV radiation damages the DNA in these cells, it can cause them to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Over time, this may lead to a tumour or lesion that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Specific individuals may be at higher risk of developing skin cancer and may benefit from more frequent or earlier skin cancer screenings. These individuals include:

• People with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes.
• People who have a history of sunburns, particularly early in life.
• People who have a family history of skin cancer.
• People with a history of excessive sun exposure from outdoor activities or indoor tanning.
• People with many moles or moles that are large, irregularly shaped, or have multiple colours.

It's a good idea to get a baseline skin cancer check by a dermatologist in early adulthood and then continue with regular checkups. It's also important to be aware of any skin changes and bring them to your doctor's attention.

What is a Skin Cancer Check?

Skin cancer checks are medical examinations of the skin performed to detect signs of skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective. They involve a full-body inspection by a trained health professional, often using a dermatoscope (a specialised magnifying device) to examine moles, spots, and lesions in greater detail.

In Australia, where sun exposure is high and skin cancer is common, regular skin checks are strongly recommended as part of routine preventive healthcare.

Who is Suitable for a Skin Cancer Check?

A skin check is recommended for:

• Adults with fair skin or light-colored eyes/hair.
• Anyone with a history of sunburns, tanning bed use, or extensive sun exposure.
• People with multiple moles or atypical (irregular) moles.
• Individuals with a family or personal history of skin cancer.
• Anyone who notices new, changing, or unusual skin spots.

Regular checks are especially important for people living in sunny climates or working outdoors.

Benefits of Regular Skin Cancer Checks

• Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, before it spreads.
• Better treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Peace of mind—especially for those at higher risk.
• Helps identify other skin conditions early (e.g., dermatitis, infections).
• Supports regular skin health monitoring.

Regular skin cancer checks are crucial for maintaining good skin health and detecting potential issues early. A primary care physician or a dermatologist can perform them.

Types of Skin Cancer Checks

Skin cancer checks vary depending on your level of risk, personal history, and the resources available at the clinic. Some checks are simple visual assessments, while others involve advanced imaging technologies. The goal is to identify skin changes early, before they become dangerous.

• Full-body skin Examination: This is the most common and essential skin cancer check. A trained GP, skin cancer doctor, or dermatologist examines your entire skin surface—from scalp to soles of the feet.
• Dermoscopy (Dermatoscopy): A dermatoscope is a handheld magnifying device equipped with a light source that enables a deeper examination of skin structures not visible to the naked eye.
• Total Body Photography (TBP): This is a more comprehensive form of mole mapping, capturing a complete visual record of your entire skin surface. It is particularly useful for detecting new lesions or changes in existing spots.
• Self-Skin Checks (at Home): You can perform these informal checks, ideally once a month, to look for any new or changing moles or lesions.
• Digital Mole Mapping: This technique involves taking high-resolution photographs of your skin, especially moles, to track changes over time. Advanced software compares current images with previous ones.
• Specialist Dermatologist Skin Check: This is a referral-based assessment with a dermatologist who has specialist training in identifying and treating skin cancer.

A skin cancer check is not a definitive diagnosis, and a biopsy may be needed to confirm the presence of skin cancer.

Body Scan (Mole Mapping)

What is a Body Scan (Mole Mapping)?

Body scan or mole mapping is a specialised type of skin cancer check that uses high-resolution photography to create a detailed map of an individual's skin. The procedure identifies and monitors any changes in moles, growths, and other skin lesions over time.

The procedure is typically performed by a dermatologist or a specialist in skin cancer and normally involves taking multiple high-resolution photographs of an individual's skin. A doctor then analyses these photographs to identify any suspicious moles or growths that may need further examination or biopsy.

The importance of mole mapping lies in its ability to detect skin cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. By identifying and monitoring changes in moles or growths over time, doctors can detect skin cancer before it progresses and spreads.

Benefits of Mole Mapping

• Early detection: By monitoring changes in moles or growths over time, mole mapping can help detect skin cancer in its early stages.
• Personalised care: Mole mapping enables doctors to monitor moles or growths identified as high-risk for cancer, providing personalised care to manage potential dangers.
• Peace of mind: Regular mole mapping can provide individuals concerned about their skin health with a sense of reassurance and peace of mind.
• Cost-effective: Early skin cancer detection and treatment can be less expensive and less invasive than treating advanced stages of the disease.

Who is Mole Mapping Suitable For?

Mole Mapping is suitable for people who:

• Have a lot of moles or have had previous skin cancer.
• Are at an increased risk of skin cancer due to family history, fair skin or other risk factors.
• They are concerned about their skin health and want to detect potential issues early on.

Mole mapping is a specialised type of skin cancer check that uses high-resolution photography to create a detailed map of an individual's skin. It is used to identify and monitor any changes in moles, growths, and other skin lesions over time, to detect skin cancer early and provide personalised care.