Worried about your skin? When to book a skin cancer check in Christchurch

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, estimated to account for about 80% of all new cancers diagnosed in the country each year. Yet despite this, many people delay or skip regular skin cancer checks, sometimes until it’s too late. The reality is that most skin cancers can be successfully treated if caught early. Understanding when and how to book a skin cancer check in Christchurch is crucial for early detection.

Despite our high risk of skin cancer, many people delay or avoid booking a skin cancer check. Some of the most common reasons include:

• I don’t have time.

Life is busy, and health checks can fall to the bottom of the to-do list.

• I don’t want to waste the doctor’s time.

Many people worry they’ll book an appointment only to be told it’s ‘just a mole.’ But 1 Health GPs in Christchurch would much rather confirm it’s harmless than risk missing something serious.

• I don’t know what to look for.

Self-checking can feel confusing if you’re unsure what’s normal. That’s exactly why professional checks exist, your doctor knows the warning signs.

• It’s probably nothing.

This is one of the most dangerous assumptions. Skin cancers often start small and seemingly harmless, but they can change quickly.

No referral is necessary to see the team at 1 Health, we’ve consciously designed our skin check service to be convenient and accessible, with weekend appointments available and flexible payment options such as Afterpay. A thorough skin check with a dermatoscope takes just 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day, even during a lunch break. It’s a small investment of time that could save your life.



Why regular skin checks matter

Skin cancers often develop silently. Unlike other health conditions, they often don’t cause pain or discomfort until in advanced stages. In Christchurch, with high UV levels and outdoor lifestyle, regular skin checks are a vital part of preventive healthcare. Booking an annual skin cancer check Christchurch gives you peace of mind and ensures that any suspicious spots are detected and treated promptly.

How often should you check your skin?

We recommend a self-check every three months. Use a mirror to examine your skin from head to toe and ask a partner or friend to check the areas you can’t see, like your back, your ears and scalp. It can be useful to take pictures of your body to keep track of any changes. Look for:

·        New moles or spots.

·        Moles that change in size, shape, or colour.

·        Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal.

If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait, book a skin check in Christchurch with our experienced doctors.

Not everyone has the same level of risk when it comes to skin cancer. You may be more vulnerable if you have fair skin, red or blonde hair, or tend to burn easily; if you have a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers; if you work outdoors in industries like construction, farming, or landscaping; or if you’ve experienced multiple sunburns over your lifetime. Having a high number of moles, more than 100, also increases your risk significantly. Even if you don’t fit into these higher-risk groups, UV damage builds up gradually over time, which is why every adult in Christchurch should make an annual skin cancer check part of their routine full health check with a GP.

Your risk level determines how often you should book a professional skin check:

• Low risk: Every 12 months.
• Moderate risk (fair skin, history of sunburns, or many moles): Every 6–12 months.
• High risk (family history of skin cancer, previous melanoma, outdoor occupation): Every 3–6 months.