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.
What to expect during a professional skin cancer check
A skin cancer check at our GP Christchurch clinic is simple, painless, and thorough. Here’s what usually happens:
1. Risk assessment: your GP will ask about your personal and family history, sun exposure, and previous skin concerns.
2. Full examination: your doctor will carefully check your skin from head to toe
3. Dermatoscope analysis: 1 Health skin check doctors use this specialist magnifying tool to examine moles and lesions in detail.
4. Next steps: if a mole or areas of skin looks suspicious, your GP in Christchurch may treat your skin issue on the same day or arrange a biopsy or refer you to a specialist depending on your need.
5. Arrange your next skin check appointment.
When is the best time of year to book a skin check?
The truth is there’s no single ‘best’ time of year to get your skin checked. The most important thing is that you do it regularly. That said, each season in Christchurch brings unique benefits for scheduling your skin cancer check:
Spring: a skin check in spring prepares you for the upcoming summer season. Any suspicious moles can be identified, reviewed and treated before the period of highest UV exposure begins. It’s a proactive way to start the season with confidence.
Summer: after spending more time outdoors, at the beach, or enjoying Christchurch’s parks, a summer check helps catch any new spots or sun damage while it’s still fresh. It’s also a good time to remind yourself about sun protection during peak UV months.
Autumn: as the days cool and tans begin to fade, your skin returns closer to its natural tone. This makes it easier for doctors to spot subtle colour changes in moles or lesions. An autumn check also ensures any summer damage is picked up promptly.
Winter: with skin less exposed to the sun, winter is often a quieter season health-wise. This makes it an ideal time to book a skin check Christchurch without competing commitments. Pale winter skin allows suspicious spots to be more noticeable under examination.
The best approach? Choose a season that fits your lifestyle and stick to an annual routine. If you’re at higher risk, schedule checks as per the doctor’s orders, perhaps quarterly so your skin is monitored year-round. The key is to get into the habit of annual screening, set a reminder in your phone to book your skin cancer check.
Take action today and book an appointment with a doctor in Christchurch
Skin checks save lives. If you’ve been putting off a check, consider this your reminder: now is the right time. Book a skin cancer check Christchurch with our caring and experienced team today. 1 Health invite you to call our clinic or book online for your skin cancer check Christchurch.
