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Frequently Asked Questions

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. There are three main types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to UV radiation. Most parts of Australia have high levels of UV radiation all year round. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt, and it is not related to temperature, but it can cause damage.

Anyone can develop skin cancer. However, the risk is higher in people who have:

1) fair skin, especially if it burns easily, is prone to freckles and doesn’t tan

2) red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes

3) experienced short, intense periods of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, e.g. on holidays or playing sport, especially if it caused sunburn

4) actively tanned or used solariums

5) worked outdoors

6) a weakened immune system, which could be caused by taking certain medicines after an organ transplant or being HIV-positive

7) numerous moles on their body

8) a personal or family history of skin cancer.

People with olive or very dark skin naturally have more protection against UV radiation because their skin produces more melanin than fair-skinned people. However, they can still develop skin cancer.

Generally, you will be advised to have a biopsy or the tumour removed.

It is a method to test suspicious skin lesions. It can be a punch biopsy, a shaved biopsy, or an excisional biopsy. Local anaesthetic is used to perform a biopsy. In the case of a punch biopsy, a special instrument is used to punch out a portion of the lesion.

Choose a 30+ sunscreen. Use waterproof sunscreen if you are swimming or sweating a lot. Look for the Cancer Council logo for the best results.

Apply generously 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours.

Under local anaesthesia, the surface of the lesion is shaved off and sent for histopathological examination.

If the biopsy confirms skin cancer, after discussing it with you, the doctor will perform the surgery using a local anaesthetic. The lesion, along with a safe margin of normal tissue, is excised. Normal tissue is exercised to ensure the whole tumour is completely gone.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will develop some kind of skin cancer before the age of 70. To reduce the risk, protect the skin from UV rays. Be sunsmart.

Protect yourself in 5 ways:

1) Slip on clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs.

2) Slop on SPF30+ or higher broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen.

3) Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, ears and neck.

4) Seek shade whenever you can, especially when UV levels are highest between 10 am and 2 pm (11 am and 3 pm during daylight saving).

5) Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS1067 and that fit your face well.

We booked a 15-minute consultation and examination. It may take shorter or longer, depending on the skin condition. Please arrive early and allow some time to be seen by the doctor at the clinic.

Referral is not required. However, if you have a regular GP, please bring his full address so that we can send the report to him.

We are pleased to inform you that pensioners, DVA cardholders, and children under 16 will be bulk billed unless a cosmetic procedure is requested.

We are a private billing clinic. Our consultation fee is $80 (with a Medicare rebate of $39.10). Any procedural fees are to be discussed with your doctor.

Please bring your current medicare card. If you have a pension card/ VA Gold card, you need to bring it as well.

Please DO NOT WEAR ANY MAKE-UP

For a full skin examination, we advise you to undress, leaving your underclothes on. However, you may choose to examine areas /spots of your concern without undressing.