Blog Summary: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, yet many people still don’t know how often they should actually get a skin check. In this blog, Dr John Donnellan of Bondi Junction's Skin Cancer Clinic explains how monthly self skin checks and yearly professional skin checks can support early detection of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. The blog covers what to look for in a suspicious mole, how UV exposure increases skin cancer risk, why tanning trends and repeated sunburn matter, and the importance of habits like sunscreen reapplication, protective clothing, and reduced UV. It also breaks down practical skin cancer prevention advice you can follow long term.

Watch or listen to Sunday Sessions by Naked Sundays on our website, YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Skin cancer is common in Australia, but it shouldn’t be normal. Although the largest factors are preventable, according to the Cancer Council around 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.

So, if you’ve ever thought “I’m probably fine” or “I’ll deal with it later,” consider this your nudge to get proactive.

As part of our podcast series, Sunday Sessions with Naked Sundays, we interviewed skin cancer specialist, Dr John Donnellan to break down what Australians actually need to know when it comes to:

• How often to get skin checks

• What to look for at home

• The simplest habits that reduce risk

Dr John has been a primary care skin cancer doctor whose practice has focused on early detection and treatment for decades. He has consulted over 80,000 patients and seen over 15,000 skin cancers.

Content disclaimer: this blog's purpose is to provide general education, not personal medical advice. If you’ve noticed a changing spot, book in with a professional.

Key Takeaways:

• If you’re an adult, a monthly self skin check is a simple habit that can save your life.

• For many Australians, a professional skin check every 12 months is a solid baseline (more often if you’re higher risk).

• If you’re high-risk, the Cancer Council notes you may need a full skin exam every 6-12 months (often supported by dermoscopy/photography).

• Dr Donnellan’s biggest “one thing” advice: minimise outdoor time during peak UV hours (roughly 10am-3pm) whenever you can.

• If a spot is changing in a unique way for more than 2-3 weeks, get it checked.

Why Skin Checks Matter More Than People Think

Skin cancer isn’t just something that happens to “other people”, or only later in life.

Dr Donnellan explained it as a simple reality: if you have skin, you have skin cells, and any of them can become cancerous. It’s more common with higher UV exposure and family history, but not limited to those groups.

He also shared the moment that shaped his whole mission: a man in his early 40s who deteriorated rapidly from advanced melanoma, and the impact it had on his family. He shared “the goal is survival… I don’t want what happened to that patient to happen to anyone, anywhere.”

How Often Should You Get a Skin Check in Australia?

1. Monthly: Self-checks (at home)

Dr Donnellan’s recommendation for adults: “roughly a monthly self-check for any adult… set a reminder on your phone.”

This isn’t meant to be a high-stress check. It’s an opportunity to know your spots and notice subtle changes. 

As some skin cancers can change rapidly, this habit also helps early detection. You’re looking for anything that makes you go “that doesn't look right to me..”

2. Yearly: Professional checks (for most adults)

He also suggested that for many people, annual professional checks are practical and appropriate. They’re frequent enough to catch changes early, but not so frequent that people get complacent and stop going altogether.

The Cancer Council’s policy and screening guidance also supports the idea that higher-risk people may need clinical skin exams every 6-12 months.

3. Every 6-12 months: If you’re higher risk

You’re more likely to fall into this category if you have factors like:

• Previous skin cancers

• Strong family history

• Lots of sun exposure (work/lifestyle)

• Many moles or atypical moles

• Very fair skin, freckling, or history of repeated sunburns

If that’s you, consult with your medical professional. You can use the 6-12 month range as a conversation starter with your GP/skin cancer clinic.

What To Look For During a Self Skin Check

This is the part people overcomplicate – but Dr Donnellan’s biggest point for self checks is to look for something changing uniquely for more than 2-3 weeks.

He emphasised that if you narrow your focus too much (“only look for bleeding” or “only look for a scab”), you risk missing things.

Instead, watch for changes in:

• Colour

• Size

• Shape

• Texture

• Elevation (becoming raised)

• Itchiness

• Bleeding

• Crusting

• Soreness

If it keeps evolving and still catches your attention weeks later, book it in ASAP.

The Spots People Forget To Check

A common myth is “if it’s not exposed to the sun, it’s not risky.” Dr Donnellan mentioned genetics plays a role too, meaning skin cancers can show up in places you wouldn’t expect – even under private parts, feet, nails, and areas that rarely see daylight.

The Cancer Institute NSW also reinforces the importance of early detection, noting skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia and early treatment improves outcomes.

The One Habit That Reduces Risk The Most

You’re not banned from sunshine. The point is being smarter about when and how you get it.

Dr Donnellan’s “if you do one thing” advice is forming good sun safety habits, specifically planning your day around harsh UV that causes the most skin damage “Arrange your outdoor time to minimise time in the sun between 10 and 3.”

He also explained why afternoons can feel more enjoyable while being less risky as the heat peaks later than UV does. 

In other words, you can still get that “warm sun” feeling Aussie’s love without as much UV intensity.

You can track the daily UV via the free SunSmart App.

Sunscreen: How Often Should You Reapply?

Dr Donnellan says sunscreen typically maintains effectiveness for around two hours, then needs reapplying – especially for kids at school during lunchtime exposure in peak UV.

Sunscreen is important but it’s not the only tool, it works alongside clothing, hats, shade, and timing.

If you want one simple “rule of thumb” approach:

• Apply sunscreen before you go outside

• Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors

• Reapply after swimming, sweating, or towelling off

• Use multiple forms of sun protection like seeking shade, wearing a broad brimmed hat, and long sleeves

“But What About Vitamin D?”

This question comes up constantly in the sun safety conversations and it’s one reason people justify “getting a bit burnt” or “building a tan.”

Dr Donnellan shared the importance of not treating something manageable (vitamin D deficiency) with something that can kill you (skin cancer). 

He also noted the body doesn’t endlessly increase vitamin D production the more UV you get.

If you’re worried about vitamin D, have a conversation with your GP or medical professional.

Social Media’s Worst Trend: Burn Lines or “Tan Lines”

People are intentionally burning or tanning for selfies and aesthetic “tan lines”, a worrying growing trend.

Dr Donnellan explained the process of what’s happening biologically: more UV means more DNA damage, which causes more mutations and means a higher risk of cells losing control of reproduction (cancer).

Every single sunburn increases someone’s risk of skin cancer.

What A Skin Cancer Removal Can Actually Involve

A lot of people avoid checks because they’re scared of what comes next.

Dr Donnellan explained a skin cancer removal typically involves:

• Local anaesthetic

• Excision (often with a margin of normal skin)

• Stitches

• Aftercare to minimise scarring

• Waiting for pathology results

• Follow-ups and long-term scar management

If something is caught late, procedures can become much larger and more intense.

So, what now? Here’s a simple “Do This This Week” Checklist

Today:

• Set a recurring reminder for a monthly 15 minute self-check

• Book your annual professional skin check (or sooner if you are considered high-risk or it's recommended by your doctor)

This week, make one change to your outdoor habits, which might look like:

• Walk earlier or later in the day

• Shift workouts outside peak UV

• Choose shade-first seats at cafes and on public transport

• Keep a sunscreen in your bag to reapply

• Add “barrier clothing” (shirt, hat, sunglasses) as default, ideally using UPF where able

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Often Should You Get a Skin Check in Australia?

Many adults aim for annual professional checks, with monthly self-checks at home. If you're at higher risk, you may need professional checks every 6-12 months. Always consult with a medical professional.

What Are the Early Signs of Melanoma or Skin Cancer?

A spot that’s new or changing (colour, size, shape, texture) and keeps changing for more than 2-3 weeks is worth checking. If you’re ever unsure, ask your local GP.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Avoid UV in Australia?

As a general habit, minimise time outdoors during peak UV hours (often around 10am-3pm), especially in warmer months. You can download the Sunsmart App on your phone for easy tracking.

Is It Ever Too Late to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk?

It’s never too late. Sun damage is cumulative and changing habits now matters.

Watch The Full Conversation With Dr John Donnellan Below:

Important: When using sunscreen, ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Wear protective clothing, hat and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply frequently.

Note: This is general education, not personal medical advice. If you’ve noticed a changing spot, book in with a medical professional.