Skin Checks: When, Where and What to Look For

Australia's harsh UV environment makes skin cancer prevention a serious conversation in every household. For Toowoomba residents, where spring brings blooming gardens at Laurel Bank Park and outdoor walks along the Picnic Point Escarpment, regular skin checks should be as routine as checking the weather forecast.

When to start and how often
The Melanoma Institute recommends baseline skin checks from age 20, with frequency depending on your risk profile. If you have fair skin, a family history of melanoma, or more than 10 moles, annual checks are prudent. Those with fewer risk factors can space checks every two to three years. People over 50 or with previous skin cancer should see their GP annually without fail.

Where to get checked locally
Start with your GP—most bulk-bill practices across Toowoomba, including clinics on Ruthven Street and in the Willow Vale area, offer skin checks as part of preventive care. Darling Downs Health also provides dermatology referrals for more complex cases. A standard check costs around $50–$100 out-of-pocket if not bulk-billed. For comprehensive digital photography and follow-up mole mapping, some specialists charge $200–$300, though this is often covered by Medicare referrals.

What to look for: the ABCDE rule
Before your appointment, familiarise yourself with warning signs. Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other), irregular Borders, multiple Colours within one spot, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving (changing in size, shape or colour) are red flags requiring urgent review.

The self-check habit
Monthly self-examinations catch changes early. Use a mirror and ask a partner to check your back and scalp. Pay attention to existing moles and new growths, especially on sun-exposed areas: face, ears, shoulders, forearms and legs. Keep photos on your phone to track changes month-to-month.

Prevention still matters most
Regular checks work best alongside sun-smart habits. Slip, slop, slap remains the gold standard: wear protective clothing, apply SPF50+ sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours. During Toowoomba's peak UV months (September to March), seek shade between 10am and 3pm when possible.

Book a skin check with your local GP today—it's one of the simplest, most effective preventive health decisions you'll make.

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