The Spot You Keep Ignoring Might Be the One That Matters
Dr Chaudhry Mansoor Ahmed · May 2026 · 5 min read
Australia's Sun Is Different — and More Dangerous
Australia sits close to the ozone hole over Antarctica, which means UV radiation here is significantly more intense than in Europe or North America — even on overcast days. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they turn 70. That statistic is striking, but what's more striking is how many of those cancers could have been caught earlier.
Most skin cancers are highly treatable when found early. The problem is that by the time something looks alarming enough to act on, it has often been there — and growing — for months or even years.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
The ABCDE guide is the most widely taught tool for self-assessment, and it remains useful — particularly for identifying melanoma:
Asymmetry — one half doesn't match the other
Border — irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
Colour — uneven shading; multiple shades of brown, black, red, or white
Diameter — larger than 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller
Evolution — any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching
The "E" — evolution — is arguably the most important. A spot that is changing is a spot that warrants prompt attention, regardless of how innocuous it might look.
What Happens During a Dermoscopy Check
A dermoscopy check is a non-invasive examination using a handheld device called a dermatoscope, which uses polarised light to see beneath the surface of the skin. What looks unremarkable to the naked eye can reveal concerning structures under dermoscopic magnification — and vice versa.
During a full-body check at my practice, I examine every accessible skin surface systematically. For any lesion of concern, I use dermoscopy to assess its internal structure before deciding whether monitoring, biopsy, or immediate excision is appropriate.
How Often Should You Get Checked?
For most fair-skinned adults in Australia, an annual full-body skin check is a reasonable baseline. For patients with a personal or family history of melanoma, multiple moles, or prior skin cancers, I may recommend checks every six months. The right frequency depends on your individual risk profile — something we can assess together at your first appointment.