ESTIMATED READ TIME: 4 minutes
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world — and on the Gold Coast, where the sun is strong and outdoor living is part of daily life, the risk is even higher. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most treatable conditions when caught early. The key word there is early.
At Southport Metro Medical Centre, our GPs provide thorough skin cancer checks for Gold Coast patients of all ages. If you’ve never had one, or it’s been a while, here’s exactly what to expect.
Why Gold Coast residents need regular skin checks
Queensland receives some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. The Gold Coast sits at a latitude where UV exposure is intense year-round — not just in summer. Sun damage accumulates over decades, which means the skin cancers that appear in your 40s, 50s, and 60s are often the result of sun exposure from your teens and twenties.
According to Cancer Council Australia, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. For Gold Coast residents who’ve spent a lifetime at the beach, in the surf, or working outdoors, that statistic hits close to home.
The three most common types of skin cancer are:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — The most common type. Slow-growing and rarely spreads, but can cause significant damage to surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — More aggressive than BCC and more likely to spread. Often appears as a scaly, red patch or a firm lump.
Melanoma — The most dangerous form of skin cancer. Can spread rapidly if not caught early, but has very high survival rates when detected at an early stage.
What happens during a skin check at Southport Metro?
A skin cancer check with one of our GPs is straightforward, thorough, and nothing to be nervous about. Here’s what typically happens:
1. Your medical history Your doctor will start by asking about your history with sun exposure, any previous skin cancers or treatments, family history, and any spots or changes you’ve noticed yourself.
2. Full skin examination Your GP will examine your skin from head to toe, using a dermatoscope — a handheld magnifying device with a light — to get a detailed view of moles, lesions, and any suspicious areas. This is a non-invasive, painless process.
3. Assessment and next steps Any spots of concern will be assessed and classified. Your doctor will explain what they’ve found in plain English. Depending on the findings, next steps might include:
- Monitoring a spot over time with photos
- A biopsy to test a sample of tissue
- Removal of a suspicious lesion in-clinic
4. Mole and lesion removal Our GPs can perform minor surgical procedures including mole removal and excision of suspicious lesions. This is done under local anaesthetic and is typically a quick, same-day procedure.
How often should you get a skin check?
The general recommendation for Gold Coast residents is:
- Annually if you have fair skin, a history of sun exposure, previous skin cancers, or a family history of melanoma
- Every 1–2 years for lower-risk individuals
- More frequently if your GP identifies multiple suspicious spots or you’re in a high-risk occupation
If you notice any new or changing spots between checks — a mole that’s grown, changed colour, started bleeding, or simply looks different to the others — don’t wait for your annual appointment. Book in straight away.
The ugly duckling rule
One of the simplest tools for self-monitoring is the “ugly duckling” rule. Most moles on your body follow a similar pattern — same size, similar shape, similar colour. A mole that looks noticeably different from the others — the ugly duckling — is worth getting checked regardless of whether it ticks any other warning boxes.
The classic warning signs to watch for are:
- Asymmetry — one half doesn’t match the other
- Border — irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
- Colour — multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue
- Diameter — larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolution — any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms like bleeding
Book a skin check at Southport Metro Medical Centre
Our GPs see patients of all ages for skin cancer checks, mole assessment, and minor surgical procedures. We’re open 7 days a week at Australia Fair Metro Shopping Centre in Southport.
Don’t put it off. A skin check takes less than 30 minutes and could be the most important appointment you make this year.
👉 Book your skin check online or call us on 07 5612 7830.