If you have spent any length of time living on the Gold Coast, your skin has done a lot of work. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and Queensland’s long hours of sunshine mean local residents carry a higher lifetime risk than most. The good news is that when skin cancers are found early, they are usually very treatable. The challenge is that many people put off a skin check often because they are not sure what it involves, whether it will be uncomfortable, or where to go.

At Marketplace Medical & Skin Clinic in Hope Island, our skin clinic focuses on prevention, early detection and treatment, with skin checks and many procedures carried out under one roof. This article explains what a skin check involves, who should have one, and what happens if something needs treatment.

Why skin checks matter on the Gold Coast

Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. On the northern Gold Coast from Hope Island and Sanctuary Cove to Paradise Point, Runaway Bay and Helensvale outdoor living is part of the lifestyle, whether that’s boating, golf, beach days or simply walking the dog. That regular sun exposure adds up over a lifetime.

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Melanoma is less common but more serious because it can spread; BCCs and SCCs are more common and usually grow more slowly. The encouraging message from Cancer Council Australia is consistent: early detection makes a meaningful difference, and most skin cancers can be successfully treated when found early.

What happens during a skin check?

A skin check is a straightforward, methodical examination of your skin. Here’s what you can generally expect at our clinic:

1. A short history. Your GP will ask about any spots you are worried about, your history of sunburn and sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, and any previous skin cancers or treatments.
2. A full-skin examination. Your doctor examines your skin from head to toe in a private room, looking for anything unusual. It helps to come without makeup and to remove nail polish if you’d like your nails checked.
3. Dermatoscopic examination. A dermatoscope is a handheld magnifier with a light that lets the doctor see structures beneath the surface of a spot that are not visible to the naked eye. This improves the accuracy of assessing moles and lesions.
4. Cryotherapy. A quick, non-invasive procedure using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal or precancerous cells, sunspots, and small lesions. 
5. A clear plan. Your GP will explain what they found, whether anything needs monitoring, a biopsy, or treatment, and what the next steps are.

A routine skin check is generally quick and is not painful. If a spot needs a biopsy, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area first.

On-site treatment and skin cancer surgery

One of the advantages of our Hope Island clinic is that many treatments can be carried out on site, often without a separate referral to an outside clinic. Depending on the type and location of a lesion, options may include:

• Excision: Surgically removing a lesion along with a margin of surrounding skin, performed under local anaesthetic.
• Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove certain sun spots and superficial lesions.
• Curettage and cautery: Scraping and sealing suitable lesions.
• Topical treatments: Prescription creams for some superficial skin cancers and pre-cancerous spots.
• Grafting: Where needed for larger excisions.

These procedures are carried out by a GP with a Certificate in Skin Cancer Surgery. Anything removed is typically sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis, and your GP will discuss the results and any follow-up with you. The right treatment depends entirely on your individual situation. Your doctor will talk you through the options and what to expect, including realistic information about scarring and aftercare.

Who should book a skin check, and how often?

There is no single rule that fits everyone, but it is worth booking a skin check if you:

• Have noticed a new spot, or a mole that has changed in size, shape, colour or texture
• Have a spot that itches, bleeds, or won’t heal
• Have fair skin, lots of moles, or freckles
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have had significant sun exposure or sunburn, especially in childhood
• Work or spend a lot of time outdoors

As a general guide, many people benefit from an annual skin check, while those at higher risk may be advised to come more often. Your GP will recommend a schedule based on your skin type and history. Between checks, it helps to get to know your own skin and to see your doctor promptly if you notice a change you don’t need to wait for your next scheduled appointment.

A note on sun protection

Detection is only half the story; prevention matters too. The long-standing Australian advice still holds: slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses, especially during the middle of the day. Sun protection is relevant year-round in Queensland, not just in summer.

Book your skin check in Hope Island

Marketplace Medical & Skin Clinic is located at 99–103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island QLD 4212, serving Hope Island and the surrounding northern Gold Coast. A skin check is a simple step that can make a real difference. Book online any time or call our reception team on 07 5510 9222. You can also learn more about our skin care and skin cancer services on our website.