Do You Really Need a Skin Check Every Year? What Australians Should Know

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. It’s no surprise that many Australians wonder: Should I get a skin check every year? The answer depends on your level of risk—and understanding that risk could save your life.

In this article, we explain when annual skin checks are needed, who is most at risk, and what to expect during a skin cancer screening in Melbourne. We also point you to trusted resources so you can take the next step with confidence.

What Do the Guidelines Say?

Current Australian guidelines do not recommend routine skin cancer screening for everyone. This means that for people at average or low risk, there’s no official advice to have a yearly skin check.

Instead, the recommendation is to perform regular self-checks and to have a skin check opportunistically, especially if you or your GP notice any suspicious changes.

To understand the guidelines in detail, see our page on skin cancer screening in Melbourne.

Who Should Get Regular Skin Checks?

While general screening isn’t recommended for everyone, some people are at higher risk and should have a professional skin cancer check at least once a year.

You may need annual skin checks if you:

  • Have fair skin, red hair or blue eyes

  • Have a history of severe sunburns

  • Have over 100 moles or 10 atypical moles

  • Have a personal or family history of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer

  • Spend a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation

These risk factors make you more likely to develop skin cancer, especially in Australia’s intense UV climate. Learn more about what increases your risk in our guide to skin cancer causes.

Why Some People Still Choose Yearly Checks

Even if you’re not officially considered high risk, many Australians choose to have an annual skin check. This is especially common in Melbourne and other urban centres where skin cancer clinics and trained GPs are accessible.

Here’s why people opt in:

  • Peace of mind: A yearly check helps you feel secure.

  • Early detection: Cancers caught early are easier to treat.

  • Changing moles: If you have several moles, it can be hard to keep track on your own.

  • Sun damage history: Even without a diagnosis, past exposure can increase risk over time.

If you’re curious about what to expect, read our article on what happens during a skin cancer check.

What Happens During a Skin Cancer Check?

During a professional skin check, a doctor will:

  • Take a history of your skin concerns and sun exposure

  • Examine your skin using dermatoscopy, a tool that helps them look beneath the surface

  • Assess any moles, sunspots or other skin lesions

  • Recommend follow-up, biopsy, or removal if something looks suspicious

Depending on the result, you may be referred for mole removal in Melbourne or another appropriate treatment. We explain the options available, including non-surgical mole removal in Melbourne.

What If You Notice a New Spot After Your Check?

No skin check is 100 percent perfect. That’s why it’s essential to continue monitoring your skin—even after a professional exam.

If you notice:

  • A new mole or spot

  • A change in shape, size or colour of an existing spot

  • Bleeding, itching or non-healing areas

…book a follow-up appointment. Don’t wait until your next annual check. Find more guidance in our article on how to check your skin.

What About Sunspots, Warts, and Other Skin Concerns?

Many benign conditions—like sunspots, seborrhoeic keratoses or warts—are harmless, but some can be mistaken for skin cancer. It’s important not to make assumptions.

Read our resources on:

If in doubt, get it checked by a qualified professional.

Skin Cancer Australia: Your Resource for Skin Health

Skin Cancer Australia does not provide clinical services. We exist to provide evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your skin health.

Whether you’re:

  • Learning about skin cancer types

  • Looking for trusted information

  • Trying to understand your risk

We’re here to help with reliable, easy-to-understand content written by health experts.

Conclusion: Should You Get a Skin Check Every Year?

It depends.

If you are in a high-risk category, yes—you should have a professional skin check at least once a year. For others, skin checks may be needed less frequently, depending on your risk profile and history.

What matters most is staying alert. Perform self-checks regularly, know what’s normal for your skin, and seek medical advice if you notice something unusual.

For everything you need to know about skin health, visit Skin Cancer Australia—your guide to prevention, detection and education.

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