Skin Cancer

Be aware of your skin and see your doctor if you have a mole that has changed shape, size or colour, or bleeds, or an inflamed skin sore that hasn’t healed.

Some people at high risk will need a regular check-up as advised by your doctor. Anyone can develop skin cancer but many people in Australia are at increased risk. If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your GP about the need for an annual check-up.

You may be at increased risk of skin cancer if you:

• have a lot of moles
• have a close relative who has had melanoma
• are aged over 50
• have infrequent but intense exposure to the sun
• have had skin cancer in the past
• have skin that is fair, burns easily, freckles and doesn't easily tan
• have red or fair hair and blue or green eyes
• have a compromised immune system. This could be due to taking certain drugs after an organ transplant or being HIV positive.