Skin Check Clinics

Australia has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and most cases are linked to sun exposure that adds up over a lifetime. The good news is that skin cancer, including melanoma, is very treatable when found early. A pharmacy skin check clinic is one accessible way to get your skin looked at and to learn what to watch for, as part of a bigger habit of checking your own skin and seeing a doctor about anything suspicious.

Why skin checks matter

Most skin cancers develop in areas exposed to the sun, and the single biggest factor in survival is early detection. A melanoma caught early is usually straightforward to treat; the same melanoma found late is far more dangerous. Yet many people never look closely at their own skin and have no routine for checking. Anything that gets more Australians paying attention to changing spots is worthwhile.

What a pharmacy skin check clinic offers

Pharmacy skin check services vary, so it helps to know what to expect and what the limits are. Depending on the pharmacy, a clinic may offer a visual check of your skin, sometimes using a dermatoscope (a magnifying tool) or skin-imaging technology, along with a risk assessment based on your history, sun exposure, skin type, and family history. The aim is to raise your awareness, look for spots that warrant attention, and tell you whether you should see a doctor.

It is important to understand that a pharmacy skin check is a screening and awareness service, not a diagnosis. Only a doctor can diagnose skin cancer, and diagnosis often requires examination by a GP or skin cancer doctor and, when needed, a biopsy (taking a small sample of the spot for the lab). A pharmacy check is a useful prompt and a way to learn what to look for; it is not the final word.

Who should consider one?

A skin check is worth considering if you have fair skin that burns easily, lots of moles, a history of sunburn or solarium use, significant lifetime sun exposure, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or a spot you are worried about. Outdoor workers and people who spent childhoods in the Australian sun are at particular risk.

What to watch for yourself

Between checks, get to know your own skin and look for change. Helpful warning signs include a spot that is new, changing, or different from your others, the ABCDE features of melanoma (Asymmetry, irregular Border, uneven Colour, Diameter getting larger, and Evolving over time), and any sore that does not heal, bleeds, or is crusty. A spot that itches, bleeds, or simply looks different from everything else deserves a doctor’s eye.

How it works at the pharmacy

The pharmacist or trained staff member discusses your risk factors and looks at your skin or the specific spots you are concerned about, using magnification or imaging if available. They will give sun-protection advice and tell you clearly whether a spot or your overall risk means you should book in with a GP or a skin cancer clinic. If anything looks suspicious, the right next step is always a doctor.

When to see a doctor

See a GP or skin cancer clinic promptly if you, or the pharmacy, notice a spot that is new, changing, irregular, or not healing, or if you have risk factors and have never had a thorough check. Do not wait and watch a spot that worries you. A pharmacy check should make you more likely to see a doctor, never a reason to delay.

Common questions

Can the pharmacy tell me if a mole is cancer? No. It can flag spots that need attention and advise you to see a doctor, but diagnosis requires a doctor and often a biopsy.

Should I still get a doctor’s skin check? Yes, especially if you are higher risk. A pharmacy check complements, but does not replace, examination by a GP or skin cancer doctor.

How often should I check my own skin? Many people do a self-check every few months, and see a doctor about any spot that is new or changing in between.

How it’s regulated in Australia

Pharmacy skin check clinics are health-awareness services delivered by pharmacists (and sometimes other trained staff) registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer are carried out by doctors. Cancer Council Australia and SunSmart provide the national guidance on skin cancer and sun protection.

Official sources

Early detection saves lives, and it starts with looking. Use the button below to find a pharmacy offering skin check clinics near you, and see a doctor about any spot that concerns you.

306 pharmacies in our directory offer this service.

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