Skin Cancer Checks & Mole Checks in Surfers Paradise
Full Body Skin Checks With Gold Coast GPs
Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and living on the Gold Coast means years of sun exposure adds up. The good news is that when skin cancer is found early, it is usually very treatable. A skin cancer check takes about 20 minutes and could not be simpler.
Our GPs at My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise carry out full body skin checks and mole checks using dermoscopy, a handheld magnifier with a strong light that shows the structures under the surface of a spot, well before changes are visible to the naked eye. If something looks suspicious, your doctor can take a biopsy or remove it here at the clinic, or refer you on when specialist care is the right step.
You do not need a referral and skin checks are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders. Walk in any day of the week or book your skin check online, and let reception know if you want a full body check so enough time is set aside.
Your Skin Check At A Glance
- Bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders
- No referral needed, walk in or book online
- Dermoscopy used on every check
- Biopsies and minor excisions done on site
- Open 7 days, 365 days a year
- Female GPs available on request
The ABCDE Of Melanoma And Skin Cancer Signs
Checking your own skin every few months helps you notice changes early. Dermatologists and GPs use the ABCDE guide to describe the signs of skin cancer worth having looked at. If a spot ticks any of these boxes, book a skin check rather than waiting to see what it does.
Asymmetry
Border
Colour
Diameter
Evolving
Other signs worth checking include a sore that will not heal, a scaly red patch, a pearly lump, or a new spot that looks different from the others around it. Read more about the early signs of skin cancer.
What Happens During Your Skin Check
A full body skin check usually takes around 20 minutes. Knowing what to expect makes the first one much easier.
1. A Quick Chat
Your GP asks about your sun exposure, family history, past skin cancers and any spot you are worried about.
2. The Skin Examination
You undress to your underwear and a gown is provided. Your doctor checks your skin from scalp to soles, including areas you cannot easily see yourself.
3. Dermoscopy On Any Spot Of Concern
A dermatoscope magnifies the spot and shows patterns beneath the surface, which helps tell a harmless mole from something that needs treating.
4. What Happens Next
Most checks end with reassurance and a date for your next one. If a spot needs more, your GP will discuss a biopsy, removal or a specialist referral with you.
Come with clean skin, no makeup and no nail polish, and point out anything that has changed. Our guide to full body skin cancer screening explains why checking the whole body matters.
Types Of Skin Cancer We Check For
Not every spot is a melanoma. Knowing the differences helps you understand what your GP is looking for during a skin check.
| Type | What To Look For |
|---|---|
| Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) | The most common and least dangerous skin cancer. Often a pearly lump or a scaly area that bleeds or will not heal. Grows slowly and rarely spreads. |
| Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) | A thickened, red, scaly spot that may crust or ulcerate, often on sun-exposed skin. Grows faster than a BCC and needs prompt treatment. |
| Melanoma | Less common but the most serious, because it can spread if left. Usually a new spot, or an existing mole that changes in size, shape or colour. |
| Sunspots and keratoses | Not cancer, but a sign of sun damage and a marker of higher risk. Some can develop into an SCC over time, so they are worth monitoring. |
For more detail, read our guides to the different types of skin cancer and the treatment options available.
Treating Skin Cancer At Our Surfers Paradise Clinic
Many skin cancers and sun-damaged spots can be treated by your GP without going anywhere else. Your doctor will explain what they recommend and why before anything is done.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people need checking more often.
- Fair skin that burns before it tans
- Lots of moles or freckles
- Blistering sunburn, especially in childhood
- A family or personal history of skin cancer
- Working or exercising outdoors on the Gold Coast
- Solarium use or a weakened immune system
How Often Should You Get Checked?
Your GP will recommend a schedule based on your skin and your history.
- Most adults: a skin check once a year
- Higher risk: every 6 months, or as your GP advises
- Previous skin cancer: follow the schedule your doctor sets
- Any age: book straight away if a spot changes
Protecting Your Skin On The Gold Coast
Living here means UV levels are high for most of the year, and damage builds up quietly over time. The Cancer Council’s Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide advice still gives the best protection, and it works alongside regular skin checks rather than replacing them.
- Slip on sun-protective clothing with long sleeves and collars
- Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going out, and reapply every 2 hours
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears
- Seek shade, especially between 10am and 3pm
- Slide on sunglasses that meet the Australian standard
- Check your own skin every few months and note anything new
Already Had A Skin Cancer?
If you have had a skin cancer treated, your risk of another is higher. Regular checks at the interval your GP recommends are the most effective thing you can do, and they take about 20 minutes.
Our doctors keep a record of what has been treated and where, so each check builds on the last.
Skin Cancer Check FAQs
Common questions about skin checks, mole checks and treatment at our Surfers Paradise clinic.
How much does a skin cancer check cost?
Skin checks are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders, so most patients have no out-of-pocket cost. If a procedure such as an excision is needed, your GP will explain any costs before it goes ahead. Overseas visitors can book a private appointment and pay on the day.
Do I need a referral for a skin check?
No. You can walk in any day of the week or book online. A referral is only needed if your GP decides you should see a dermatologist or surgeon, and they will arrange that for you.
How long does a full body skin check take?
Usually about 20 minutes. Let reception know when you book that you want a full body skin check so the right appointment length is set aside for you.
What should I wear to my skin check?
Something easy to take off. You will undress to your underwear and a gown is provided. Please come with clean skin, no makeup and no nail polish, since polish hides the nail beds where melanoma can occasionally appear.
Can my GP remove a mole on the same day?
Sometimes. Small lesions can often be biopsied or removed during a longer appointment, though many are booked for a separate procedure visit so enough time is allowed. Your GP will talk you through the options.
How often should I have a skin check on the Gold Coast?
Most adults benefit from a yearly check. If you have fair skin, many moles, a family history or a previous skin cancer, your GP may suggest every six months. Anyone should be seen sooner if a spot changes.
Is a mole check the same as a skin check?
A mole check usually looks at one or more specific spots you are worried about. A full body skin check examines all of your skin, including places you cannot see yourself, which is where a surprising number of skin cancers are found.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
Your GP will explain what they have seen and what they recommend, which is usually a biopsy or removal under local anaesthetic. The sample goes to pathology and your doctor discusses the results with you and arranges any treatment or referral needed.
Book A Skin Check In Surfers Paradise
Twenty minutes could be the most useful appointment you make this year. Walk in 7 days a week at the Piazza on the Boulevard building, or book ahead online. Directions are on our contact page.
