The doctors at Green Square Health are able to provide a comprehensive skin check, give the most up to date information on skin protection, and if necessary, use the best equipment to remove anything suspicious for examination in a certified laboratory.

They hold qualifications in the assessment, diagnosis, removal and treatment through the University of Queensland. So rest assured that your skin is in safe hands.

What to expect from a skin check with your doctor

• You will be asked about your personal history and family history with skin cancers, your occupational history, any previous excisions, history of sun exposure and frequency of sun protection
• In order to examine you carefully, we will need to expose as much skin as possible. The rooms are set to allow for maximal privacy, so please wear underwear you are comfortable in. you will be provided with a gown or sheet to allow us to inspect different areas at a time
• You should let the doctor know which lesions you are most concerned about
• If you are concerned about a skin lesion on your scalp, or that is covered by underwear, please let the doctor know so we can examine these areas with your consent

What should I look out for?

• New moles that you have never noticed before
• Moles that increase in size over time
• An outline of a mole that becomes notched or irregular
• Change in colour on a spot from brown to black, or has varied colours through it
• A spot that develops a lump within it or becomes raised above the normal skin level
• Rough, scaly or ulcerated surfaces begin to develop
• Moles that itch or tingle
• Moles that bleed or weep
• Spots that look different from your other spots

How can I prevent skin cancer?

Slip on clothes that cover as much skin as possible

• Wear shirts with collars when out in the sun, arm protectors when cycling, and a rashie or wetsuit when in the water or surfing

Slop on some sunscreen

• SPF30+ filters out 97% of UV radiation, however it only works if enough is used and it’s used properly (Use SPF50+ if possible)
• put it on before you leave home, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours (this is what most people forget)
• put it on even more regularly if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot
• try waterproof sunscreen if you can
• put it everywhere the sun touches, both arms and legs, front and back of the body, on your face, neck, ears, hands and feet

Slap on a hat

• something wide brimmed to protect your face, back of the neck, eyes and ears

Seek some shade

• 11am-3pm is when the sun and its UV rays are strongest, so try to make sure you have a shady spot especially during those hours

Slide on your fashionable sunnies

When choosing something you imagine wearing on a beautiful coastal walk, or sipping a coffee at your favourite alfresco café, make sure it will provide adequate protection from UV rays.

• See if they meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS1067:2003
• Look for the words ‘good UV protection’ on the label, and look for categories 2, 3 or 4. These block 95% of UV radiation
• Some sunglasses have an eye protection factor or EPF rating. EPF 9 or 10 exceed the Australian Standard and block almost all UV radiation
• Check they are suitable for driving
• Polarised sunglasses reduce glare and can make it easier to see on a sunny day, see through reflective water surfaces, or make it easier to notice small objects on road glare if cycling
• The Australian Standard for sunglasses does not cover prescription glasses. Some prescription glasses provide UV radiation protection – check with your optometrist.