Here on the Gold Coast, sunshine is part of the lifestyle. Beach mornings, backyard barbecues, weekends on the water. But all that gorgeous Queensland sun comes with a serious catch, and it’s one too many of us put off thinking about until it’s too late.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and Queensland sits right at the top. Around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. The good news? When skin cancer is caught early, it is one of the most treatable cancers there is. The key word is early, and that’s exactly what a professional skin check is for.
Why skin checks matter so much in Queensland
Our climate is beautiful, but it’s also brutal on skin. High UV levels for most of the year mean Gold Coast locals accumulate sun exposure faster than people in cooler parts of the world. Years of swimming, sport, gardening, and outdoor work add up, often without us realising the damage being done.
Most skin cancers are caused by UV radiation, and the effects are cumulative. That sunburn from a teenage summer still counts. So does the daily walk to the car, the round of golf, the afternoon at the cricket. You don’t have to be a sun-worshipper to be at risk. You just have to live where we live.
That’s why regular skin checks aren’t just for people who “tan a lot.” They’re for everyone.
What actually happens during a skin check?
If you’ve never had one, the idea can feel a little daunting. The reality is simple, quick, and completely professional.
During a skin check at Carrara Family Practice, your doctor will:
- Ask about your history, including past sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, and any spots you’re worried about
- Examine your skin carefully from head to toe, using a dermatoscope, a special magnifying tool that reveals detail the naked eye can’t see
- Assess any moles or spots for changes in size, shape, colour or texture
- Recommend next steps if anything needs a closer look, such as monitoring, a biopsy, or removal
The whole process usually takes around 15 minutes. It’s painless, private, and could genuinely save your life.
The warning signs you should never ignore
Knowing what to look for between checks is one of the most powerful things you can do for your own health. A helpful guide is the ABCDE rule for moles:
- A is for Asymmetry: one half of the spot doesn’t match the other
- B is for Border: edges are irregular, ragged or blurred
- C is for Colour: uneven shades of brown, black, red, white or blue
- D is for Diameter: larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser
- E is for Evolving: the spot is changing in size, shape, colour or feel
Beyond moles, keep an eye out for any sore that won’t heal, a spot that bleeds or becomes crusty, or a new lump or patch that looks different from everything else on your skin. If something is changing, don’t wait. Get it checked.
Who should get a skin check, and how often?
As a general guide, most adults benefit from a professional skin check once a year. You may need them more often if you:
- Have fair skin, light hair, or freckle easily
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma
- Have lots of moles, or moles that have changed
- Work outdoors or have had significant sun exposure over the years
- Have used solariums or experienced blistering sunburns in the past
If you fall into any of these groups, talk to your GP about the right schedule for you. Between visits, get to know your own skin so you can spot changes early.
Early detection changes everything
Here’s the part worth repeating, because it’s the whole point. Skin cancer found early is highly treatable. Many spots can be removed quickly and simply, often in a single visit, with excellent outcomes.
Melanoma, the most serious form, is far more dangerous when it’s missed and allowed to grow. Caught early, the outlook is very different. The difference between a great outcome and a serious one often comes down to one thing: how soon it was found. A routine check you almost cancelled could be the appointment that protects your future.
Prevention is still your best friend
Skin checks catch problems early, but protecting your skin every day stops many problems from starting. Slip on protective clothing, slop on broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and slide on sunglasses. Simple habits, repeated over a lifetime, make an enormous difference, especially for children whose skin is still developing.
Sun safety isn’t about avoiding the outdoors. It’s about enjoying the Gold Coast lifestyle for many more years to come.
Book your skin check today
You check your car. You check your teeth. Your skin deserves the same care, especially living where we do.
At Carrara Family Practice, our experienced team provides thorough, professional skin checks in a comfortable, judgement-free setting, right here in your local community. Whether you have a specific spot you’re worried about or simply want the peace of mind of a full check, we’re here to help.
Don’t put it off. Book your skin check with Carrara Family Practice today.
Call (07) 5594 4118 or book online at carrarafamilypractice.com.au. Fifteen minutes now could protect a lifetime of sunshine ahead.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with a GP at Carrara Family Practice about your individual circumstances.