Checking for skin cancer

The sooner skin cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

The best way to ensure skin cancer is found early is to get to know your skin and what’s normal for you. Any changes including new spots, or changes in shape, colour or size of an existing spot should be checked by your GP.

Most skin cancers are found by people checking their own skin or are noticed by a loved one. There is no evidence to support screening programs for skin cancer at a population level, however, people at high risk of skin cancer should discuss a surveillance strategy with their GP.

Get to know your skin and, if you notice anything unusual, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Read more about the signs of skin cancer.

Listen to Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service, Associate Professor Victoria Mar as she explains how easy it is to do a skin check.

Checking our skin

I didn't think young people got skin cancer.