FAQ
Skin Cancer Check
Will I have to completely undress for a skin cancer check?
Not entirely. During a full body skin cancer check, you usually undress to your underwear. Each of our rooms has a curtain for privacy when changing. A modesty blanket is available for your comfort or you are welcome to bring your own scarf, long dress or small blanket (our beautiful Sunshine Coast environment will thank you for the reduction in laundry required!)
Skin cancers can develop on any area of the body although they are less common in some. For this reason, genital areas are not routinely examined and breast examination is at patient choice. Self examination of these areas is strongly encouraged. Please inform your doctor if you have any lesions needing reviewed in these areas. A chaperone can be arranged but may not always be available at the time of the appointment unless you have mentioned this when booking.
How do I prepare for a skin cancer check?
Before your appointment, please:
- Do not wear makeup
- We have a makeup station if needed for your convenience
- Remove nail polish
- Your hair can be tied back or loose for scalp examination
If you're visiting us after any outdoor work or activities, please try to remove any dirt, paint, etc from your skin and change into some clean clothes before your appointment.
What happens if the doctor finds a cancerous spot?
Your doctor will let you know right away if you have any moles or spots which need further investigation, and what the next step is. Sometimes a small biopsy can be done at the time of appointment or you may need to return for this. Certain pre-cancerous lesions do not need biopsies and can be treated with creams or Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).
How often should I get a skin cancer check?
This depends on your individual risk. Many factors influence your risk including your age, skin type (fair to olive skin types being more at risk), and personal or family history of skin cancer. UV exposure is also very important - especially with high childhood exposure, occupational exposure, high recreational exposure, previous sun-based use. Once you have had a skin check at SunLife, we'll let you know how often to return.
One of my moles has changed, what should I do?
If you notice any new or changing moles or skin lesions that do not resolve in 4-6 weeks we strongly suggest to book an appointment as soon as possible. Some changes to look out for:
- New skin lesions
- Change in colour
- Becomes raised or lumpy
- Increases in size
- Bleeds or weeps
- Becomes rough or scaly
- Becomes itchy or sore
- Looks different to your other moles and lesions
Skin cancer can be a range of shapes, sizes, and colour. If in doubt, check it out!
Why should I see a skin cancer doctor at SunLife?
The doctors at SunLife see and treat patients with skin cancer concerns every day. Each doctor practising at our Care Centre has chosen skin cancer as their area of special interest and has experience and additional qualifications.
SunLife Skin Cancer Care Centre has been purpose-built exclusively for skin cancer patients, covering skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment.Â
The dedication of the Doctors and our Care Centre allows the best possible standards in skin cancer care with the most up-to-date practices and without other distractions.
Skin Cancer Prevention
I'm over 65 now, can I still reduce my risk of skin cancer?
Yes! The sun safe practices above still reduce your risk of skin cancer! Importantly, as risk will always increase in age, awareness of your skin lesions and regular skin checks have significant value in reducing the risk of complications from skin cancer. A doctor at SunLife can advise you further during an appointment.
What is the best sunscreen?
Any sunscreen that is tested as being factor 30 or above (see the label) and gets on with your skin. There are an increasing number of sunscreens on the market - some better for your face, dry skin, oily skin. Try different sunscreens until you find the right one for you. If you have difficulty please talk with your doctor or our staff at SunLife.
How can you tell if a fabric is sun safe?
Many dense fabrics offer appropriate sun protection. To be certain, look for clothing labeled as tested to SPF50. Many lightweight and cooling fabrics have been tested in this way to show they are adequate to protect you.
What about Vitamin D, don't we need some sun exposure to maintain Vitamin D levels?
Thanks to the very high UV levels in Australia, this is not a big concern here. Studies have shown that people with fair skin need only a few minutes of sun to get the vitamin D they need. Sunscreen, even with daily use, does not cause any significant depletion. It is currently unclear why some people become low in vitamin D when others don't.
Some groups of people are considered at risk of low vitamin D due to lack of sun exposure including people limited to indoors, such as care home residents.
Skin Cancer Detection
When would a biopsy be required?
Most skin lesions can be diagnosed without needing a biopsy but for some lesions a biopsy will be needed to check for cancer. A biopsy is also needed when the specific type, or subtype, of cancer needs to be confirmed prior to final treatment.
How important is early detection of skin cancer?
Most skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early. Additionally, when detected early, it is more likely they can be treated by non-surgical methods, less invasive procedures or with smaller excisions. Late detection of skin cancer, or a skin cancer that is growing quickly and not treated promptly, is always a concern and carries a higher risk of complications and even death.
Do I need TBP?
The value of 3D TBP is different for each individual. Higher risk patients, especially those with many moles, will get the most benefit. These patients may be offered annual or 6 monthly repeat 3D TBP to screen for change.
Lower risk patients may benefit from "baseline" images that are repeated less frequently but are useful to visually check for change either at skin checks or at home.
People at the lowest risk and with very few skin lesions are less likely to get value out of 3D TBP.
Your doctor will be able to help you with any questions.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Can I receive non-surgical treatment on the same day?
Cyrotheraphy for small pre-cancerous lesions and troublesome non-cancerous lesions is commonly performed during a standard consultation. PDT and chemotherapy creams often need more planning and you will usually need to return for this. Depending on your circumstances this may mean returning for treatment at the next visit or returning for a visit to discuss your options and plan your care in more detail.
Can I choose which treatment I prefer?
There are often choices between different treatments based on your preferences, for example the duration of treatment, mode of application, outcome desired, or cost. What choices are available will be limited by the type of lesion being treated, the treatments above will not be appropriate for all lesions. Your doctor will advise you on what treatments are available to help you when making a decision. If a lesion is cancerous, the first priority is always to make sure it is adequately treated.
How do chemotherapy creams work?
There are two main prescription creams available for home use on pre-cancerous lesions - including non-invasive Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs) and superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs). With the appropriate care, they are safe to use and are very effective. They act to remove the abnormal cells in these lesions leaving healthy cells behind.
Recently, evidence has shown that using 5FU (Efudix) with a type of Vitamin D cream increases the skin immune response to the Efudix. This results in a shorter treatment period, better skin cancer (SCC) risk reduction, and a better tolerated treatment.
Please be aware of non-prescription creams suggested for treating skin cancers and pre-cancers at home. The results can be highly variable and we often see poor outcomes. Please speak with your doctor for advice.
How does cryotherapy work?
Cyrotheraphy works by freezing the upper layer of the skin to a very low temperature. This kills all the cells that reach this temperature, destroying the lesion and allowing the skin to heal itself with healthy cells (just as it would be if you have a little cut or minor burn). This process is controlled by timing the duration of the freeze and deciding what area to treat around a lesion. Like all of the non-surgical treatments, it is not appropriate for lesions that could be deeper.
Which non-surgical treatment is the most effective?
Each non-surgical treatment has its own uses and these will change for each patient, lesion or group of lesions. Your doctor will help you find the right treatment for you.
Surgical Procedures
Can I have a procedure without a scar?
Any wound to the skin has to make a scar in order to heal but there are things that can be done to reduce their appearance. Here’s a bit more info about scars:
Scarring is the body’s way of healing a wound and making the skin strong enough to function. Many factors affect how a wound scars, important ones being skin tension and mobility. There are techniques in planning and performing procedures that help to minimise tension and mobility, encouraging good scar formation. The doctors at SunLife have experience and training in using them.
Wounds continue to strengthen for months after the initial wound healing. This means that scars can change in this time. There are things you can do at home to encourage good scar formation in this period. Your doctor and nurse will advise you on what methods may be of use for you.
What happens after a biopsy?
After your biopsy there will be a small wound and a dressing. Your doctor will give you advice on how to care for the wound including whether you need to keep it dry and if any stitches need removing.
We have up-to-date processes allowing your doctor to send routine results promptly via email or text for your convenience. More complex or difficult results will be given in person and a time will be arranged for this. The results from your biopsy will always be communicated to you – you will never be left to assume it’s ok because you haven’t heard anything.
What happens after an excision?
After your excision there will be a wound and a dressing. Your doctor will give you advice on how to care for the wound, including whether you will need to keep it dry, any restrictions on your mobility, and when you need to return for a wound check or dressing removal. Usually this is 1-2 weeks.
Like a biopsy, we have up-to-date processes allowing your doctor to send routine results promptly via email or text for your convenience. More complex or difficult results will be given in person and a time will be arranged for this. The results from your excision will always be communicated to you – you will never be left to assume it’s ok because you haven’t heard anything.
Are there any risks with skin procedures?
There is always some level of risk with any medical procedure. Thankfully, the risks involved in most routine excisions are low and they can be reduced further with good understanding and clinical processes. Good practices are especially important in higher risk areas. The face for example, as well as needing special skills to minimise scarring, also contains important functional areas and significant nerves. The doctors at SunLife have training and experience to understand and manage these risks, keeping them as low as possible.
For small procedures, like biopsies, your doctor will usually just talk you through the low risks involved. For excisions, a consent form will be completed detailing the risks common to all excisions and adding any risks specific for the individual case. As well as things your doctor can do to reduce risk, there are things you can do to reduce risk – for example, keeping the wound dry. Your doctor and nurse will advise you on how to care for your wound and they will be there for you if any problems do arise.
Can you remove benign (non-cancerous) lesions?
Yes, they usually can be. Some non-cancerous lesions are problematic, they can stick out, get infected, catch, rub and be bothersome. Your doctor will discuss with you what's involved with removing it.Â
What are the costs of procedures?
The costs of procedures vary due to the wide range of time, complexity and skill required. The costs include all routine aftercare, such as provision of results, dressings and suture removal. They also include the management of any complications should they occur.
Your doctor will inform you of the costs at the time of planning your procedure. Typically, a small biopsy done at the time of a consult may be $30. A medium size excision may be $170. A large or complex flap or graft may reach $500. Please ask if you are unclear or have any questions.
Note that the above costs are the gap charges that you will be out of pocket after the Medicare rebate. The Medicare system is complex - rebates vary according to the type of procedure and the type, site and size of lesion.
Your Appointment
Do I need to book an appointment?
It is best to book your appointment in advance. It will be unlikely that the doctor can see you if you attend without one. BOOK HERE.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to see one of the Doctors at SunLife.
If your regular doctor has sent a letter about your care, your skin cancer doctor at SunLife will ensure they are kept up to date.
How long is my appointment?
Appointment times vary according to the type of appointment and individual circumstances. As a guide, please allow 30 minutes of your time for a Full Body Skin Check, Total Body Photography, or your planning appointment for Sun Damaged Skin Treatment. You will be informed of expected durations for procedures when they are booked.
Will I have to completely undress for a skin cancer check?
Not entirely. During a full body skin cancer check, you usually undress to your underwear. Each of our rooms has a curtain for privacy when changing. A modesty blanket is available for your comfort or you are welcome to bring your own scarf, long dress or small blanket (our beautiful Sunshine Coast environment will thank you for the reduction in laundry required!)
Skin cancers can develop on any area of the body although they are less common in some. For this reason, genital areas are not routinely examined and breast examination is at patient choice. Self examination of these areas is strongly encouraged. Please inform your doctor if you have any lesions needing reviewed in these areas. A chaperone can be arranged but may not always be available at the time of the appointment unless you have mentioned this when booking.
