The Northern Rivers has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, making regular skin cancer checks vitally important.
Across the country, according to Cancer Council, at least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, and more than 2,000 Australians die from the disease each year, making it the most common form of cancer and causing more deaths than road accidents.
Regular skin checks – preferably conducted by a dedicated skin cancer specialist – are a key preventive strategy that can lead to early detection, less invasive treatment, and a significantly higher chance of survival.
Australia’s environment plays a major role in this public health challenge. The sun-loving beach culture and high ultraviolet radiation levels, combined with common fair skin types, create a perfect storm for sun damage.
Don’t underestimate the risk
Even on cloudy days, UV rays penetrate the skin, causing cellular damage that accumulates over time. Vigilance is important.
Many people underestimate the risks because sun exposure is such a normal part of life, yet it remains the leading cause of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and causes the vast majority of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Early detection through regular checks is one of the most effective defences. When skin cancer is found early, most cases can be successfully treated, often with minor surgical removal. However, if left undetected, cancers can grow deeper into the skin, spread to other organs, and become life-threatening.
Melanomas in particular can progress quickly, so keep an eye out for changes in moles, freckles, or new spots.
Doctors recommend checking your skin regularly for any unusual changes, including new growths, sores that don’t heal, and spots that itch, bleed, or change in shape or colour.
Professional help
Professional skin checks add an extra layer of protection. General practitioners and dermatologists are trained to identify suspicious lesions that might be overlooked by the untrained eye.
Many professional skin clinics offer full-body mole mapping and dermatoscopic imaging, which allow doctors to track changes over time and detect abnormalities early.
Outside workers, people with fair skin, a history of serious sunburn, multiple moles, or a family history of skin cancer are especially encouraged to have regular professional assessments. Medicare rebates will cover some of the cost.
Beyond individual health, skin cancer checks play a crucial role in reducing the burden on Australia’s healthcare system. The cost of treating advanced skin cancers is significantly higher than early-stage interventions, and early detection can save both lives and resources.
Public awareness campaigns such as ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide’ (clothing, sunscreen, hat, shade, sunglasses) have helped us adopt better sun protection habits, but prevention needs to go hand in hand with proactive screening.
Ultimately, skin cancer checks are an act of self-care and responsibility in a country where sun exposure is part of daily life.
By making regular checks a routine – whether through self-examination or professional screening – everyone can protect their health, reduce the risk of serious illness, and ensure our sun-loving lifestyle remains as safe as it’s enjoyable.
