When should I get a mole checked by a doctor?

See your doctor if a mole is new and looks different from your other moles, has changed in size shape or colour, has an irregular or blurred border, has more than one colour, is asymmetrical, is larger than 6mm, is itchy or bleeding, or has a raised lump within it. Also see your doctor if you have a sore that does not heal within a few weeks. Any new or changing skin spot in an adult deserves a check. When in doubt, get it looked at — early detection saves lives. Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world.

What are the ABCDE signs of melanoma?

A is for Asymmetry — one half does not match the other. B is for Border — edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred. C is for Colour — not uniform, may have shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue. D is for Diameter — larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller. E is for Evolving — changing in size, shape, colour, or feel over weeks to months. However, some dangerous melanomas (nodular and amelanotic types) may not follow these rules. Any new or changing spot should be checked by your doctor.

How often should I get a skin check?

There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation. Higher-risk people (fair skin, many moles, family history of melanoma, history of sunburn, outdoor workers) should have a full skin check with their GP or dermatologist every 12 months. Average-risk people should check their own skin regularly and see their GP if they notice anything new or changing. Get to know your skin so you notice when something changes.

Can I take a photo of a mole to show my doctor?

Yes, and you should. Take a clear, well-lit photo with your phone, ideally with a ruler or coin next to the mole for scale. If you are tracking a spot over time, take a photo in the same position and lighting each time. Bring these photos to your GP appointment — they are extremely helpful for assessing whether a mole has changed.

Worried About a Mole?

Describe the spot below. This creates a summary to take to your GP — it does not diagnose anything.

📋 Source: Cancer Council Australia — Melanoma Guidelines. ABCDE criteria (Friedman et al., CA Cancer J Clin 1985). Ugly duckling sign (Grob & Bonerandi, Arch Dermatol 1998). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare — Skin Cancer in Australia statistics.
Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.

🌏 Works for all countries

📋 Sources Skin-check guidance compiled from Cancer Council Australia; the Healthdirect Australia skin-cancer resources; and standard ABCDE melanoma self-examination criteria. This page helps you prepare for and understand a skin check — it does not diagnose skin lesions. Any changing, bleeding or concerning spot should be seen by a doctor.

⚠ Important: This tool does not assess whether a mole is cancerous. It helps you describe a spot clearly so your GP can assess it properly. Any new or changing skin spot in an adult should be checked by a doctor. When in doubt, book an appointment.

Describe the spot

Where is it on your body?

Is it new, or has an existing spot changed?

How long have you noticed it?

What colour is it? (select all that apply)

Approximately how big is it?

Has it changed recently? (select all that apply)

Does it look different from your other moles?

Your risk factors (select all that apply)

Any other details you want to mention?

The ABCDE guide — what to look for

AAsymmetry — one half does not match the other half. BBorder — edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. CColour — not uniform. May have shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue. DDiameter — larger than 6mm (pencil eraser size). Though melanomas can be smaller. EEvolving — changing in size, shape, colour, or feel over weeks to months.

Important limitation: Not all skin cancers follow the ABCDE pattern. Nodular melanoma can be raised, firm, even-coloured, and symmetric. Amelanotic melanoma can be pink or skin-coloured with no dark pigment. The "ugly duckling" sign — a spot that simply looks different from all your other moles — is just as important as ABCDE. When in doubt, get it checked.

Tips for your appointment

📸Take a photo — clear, well-lit, with a ruler or coin for scale. If tracking over time, same angle and lighting each time. 📅Note the timeline — when you first noticed it, what has changed, and how quickly. 👕Wear loose clothing — easy to show the spot without fully undressing. 💅Remove nail polish — if the spot is under a nail, your GP needs to see the nail bed. 📋Mention your history — previous skin cancers, family history of melanoma, and how much sun exposure you get. 🔍Ask about a full skin check — if you are concerned about one spot, it is worth checking everywhere else too.

There is no single recommendation that fits everyone. General guidance:

Higher risk (fair skin, many moles, family history of melanoma, personal history of skin cancer, outdoor worker): full skin check with your GP or dermatologist every 12 months.

Average risk: self-check your own skin every 3 months using the ABCDE guide and "ugly duckling" sign. See your GP if you notice anything new or changing.

Everyone: get to know your skin. You are the first person to notice a change — and early detection is the single most important factor in melanoma outcomes.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70. Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia.

The good news: melanoma detected early (before it spreads) has a 5-year survival rate above 95%. This is why skin checks and self-monitoring matter — catching it early is the difference between a simple excision and a serious diagnosis.

Skin cancer is not limited to fair-skinned people. People with darker skin can develop melanoma, particularly on the palms, soles, and under the nails (acral melanoma).

If your GP is concerned about a spot, they may:

Excise it (remove it) — many GPs do excisions in-clinic under local anaesthetic. The removed tissue is sent to pathology for analysis. Results usually take 5-7 days.

Refer to a dermatologist or skin cancer clinic — for dermoscopy (a magnified examination), monitoring, or complex excisions.

Monitor it — take dermoscopy photos and review in 3 months to see if it has changed.

Medicare covers the consultation and excision. Out-of-pocket costs depend on whether your GP bulk bills and the complexity of the excision.

Worried About a Mole?

Describe the spot

📋 Your mole description — take this to your GP

The ABCDE guide — what to look for

Tips for your appointment