Skin Cancer Check in Chermside

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and Queensland’s sunny climate means that residents across the north Brisbane suburbs of Chermside, Aspley, Stafford, Nundah, and Wavell Heights face significant sun exposure throughout the year. At Corrie St Medical Clinic, our experienced GPs offer dedicated skin cancer checks as part of our commitment to preventive healthcare for the local community. Regular skin checks are an important step in monitoring your skin health and detecting any changes that may require further assessment.

Why Regular Skin Checks Matter

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are often slow-growing, melanoma can spread quickly if not identified early, making regular skin examinations an important part of maintaining your overall health.

People with a history of significant sun exposure, fair skin, a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, or a history of sunburn are generally considered to be at higher risk. Our GPs can help you understand your individual risk factors during a consultation. You can find out more about our range of preventive health services on our services page.

What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Check

A skin cancer check at Corrie St Medical Clinic involves a thorough visual examination of your skin by one of our GPs. The appointment is conducted in a private and respectful environment. During the check, your doctor will:

• Review your medical history: This includes any previous skin conditions, prior skin cancers, family history, and your level of sun exposure over your lifetime.
• Examine your skin: Your GP will conduct a systematic examination of your skin, checking moles, lesions, freckles, and any other spots or areas of concern from head to toe.
• Assess individual spots: Any spots or lesions that appear unusual in shape, colour, size, or texture will be assessed more closely and discussed with you.
• Discuss findings and next steps: Your GP will explain what they have observed and recommend any follow-up action if needed, which may include a biopsy, referral, or a follow-up appointment.

The length of your appointment will depend on the extent of the examination required. If you have specific spots or areas of concern, please mention these when booking so that adequate time can be allocated.

Moles, Lesions and Warning Signs

It is important to be aware of changes to your skin between check-ups. Common signs that a mole or spot may require assessment include:

• A change in size, shape, or colour of an existing mole
• A spot or lesion that bleeds, itches, or does not heal
• A new mole or growth that appears after the age of 40
• A lesion with an irregular or uneven border
• A mole that looks noticeably different from others on your body

If you notice any of these changes, we encourage you to book an appointment promptly rather than waiting for your next scheduled check. Early assessment is always preferable when it comes to skin health.

Skin Lesion Removal and Follow-Up Care

If your GP identifies a lesion that requires removal or biopsy, this may be performed at our clinic as part of our minor surgery services. Our team is experienced in the removal of a range of skin lesions in the GP setting. For lesions that require specialist review, your GP will provide you with a referral to an appropriate specialist. You will be informed of any results and your GP will discuss the findings and any recommended management with you.

How Often Should You Have a Skin Check?

The recommended frequency of skin checks varies depending on your individual risk profile. Your GP will advise you on how often a skin examination is appropriate for your circumstances. As a general guide, people with a higher risk of skin cancer may benefit from more frequent monitoring than those with a lower risk profile.

Skin checks may also be incorporated into broader preventive health assessments. If you are aged between 45 and 49 or over 75, you may be eligible for a structured health assessment at our clinic. Learn more about our 45-49 Year Health Assessments and Over 75 Year Health Assessments.

Serving Patients Across North Brisbane

Our Chermside clinic is conveniently located for patients across the surrounding suburbs. We welcome patients seeking a skin cancer check from:

• Chermside: Our clinic is located at 8 Corrie Street, with public transport access and on-site parking available.
• Aspley: Aspley patients can reach us easily via Hamilton Road or Gympie Road, with our clinic just a short drive south.
• Stafford: Stafford and Stafford Heights residents will find our Chermside location convenient via Gympie Road.
• Nundah: Patients from Nundah can access our clinic via Sandgate Road or Gympie Road, making us a practical choice for skin cancer checks in the area.
• Wavell Heights: We welcome patients from Wavell Heights seeking a thorough skin examination with an experienced local GP.

If you live in another nearby suburb, please contact us to find out more about booking a skin check appointment.

Booking a Skin Check Appointment

Appointments for skin cancer checks can be made online via our online booking page or by calling our reception on (07) 3350 1625 or (07) 3865 3832. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. When booking, please let our reception team know that you would like a skin check so that an appropriate appointment length can be scheduled.

If you have questions about what to bring to your appointment or how to prepare, our reception team is happy to assist. For information about fees, please visit our fees page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for a skin cancer check?

No referral is required. You can book directly with one of our GPs for a skin examination. Simply contact our reception team or book online.

How long does a skin check take?

A full skin check typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the extent of the examination and the number of spots requiring assessment. Please let us know when booking if you have specific areas of concern so that adequate time can be allocated.

What should I wear to my appointment?

We recommend wearing loose, easy-to-remove clothing so that your GP can examine all areas of your skin comfortably. You do not need to do any specific preparation before your appointment.

Can I have a skin check at the same time as a general GP consultation?

In most cases, a skin check is best conducted as a dedicated appointment to allow your GP sufficient time to perform a thorough examination. Please discuss this with our reception team when booking.

What happens if my GP finds something of concern?

If your GP identifies a lesion or spot that requires further assessment, they will discuss the findings with you and recommend the appropriate next step. This may include a biopsy, removal at our clinic under our minor surgery services, or a specialist referral. For information about how results are communicated, visit our results page.

Is a skin check bulk billed?

Fees for skin checks may vary depending on your Medicare eligibility and the nature of the consultation. Please visit our fees page or contact our reception team for current billing information.