For most people, once a year is recommended. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, or other risk factors, your clinician may recommend more frequent checks — typically every 6 months.

No. A skin check is a visual examination and is completely painless. If a lesion requires treatment such as excision or cryotherapy, local anaesthetic is used.

Come with clean, unmoisturised skin where possible. Remove nail polish so nails can be examined. Avoid wearing make-up.

Yes, absolutely. Skin cancer can develop in people of all skin tones. Some types of skin cancer — including acral lentiginous melanoma — are not related to sun exposure and are in fact more common in people with darker skin as a proportion of their melanoma diagnoses. Because skin cancer may be less expected in people with darker skin, it is often caught later. A skin check is important for everyone.

Your clinician will explain the findings clearly. Some lesions can be treated on the same day; others may require a biopsy, return visit, or referral. You will always be told exactly what was found and what the recommended next step is.

Yes, absolutely. You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment.

No referral is needed to book a skin check at SkinSure. However, if your GP has referred you, please bring the referral letter.

A dark vertical streak on a single nail that is new, widening, or changing should always be assessed by a clinician. While many causes are benign, a dark nail streak can occasionally be a sign of subungual melanoma — melanoma under the nail. At SkinSure, nail assessment is part of every full skin check.