Skin Check WA: Costs, Warning Signs & GP Role (2023)
You’ve probably heard the advice to keep an eye on your skin, especially in WA’s intense sun. But when a mole looks different or a spot won’t heal, the next question is usually practical: how much will a skin check cost, who should do it, and what should I look for?
Annual skin cancer diagnoses in Australia: Over 1 million ·
Melanoma cases in Australia (2023): Approx. 18,000 ·
Melanoma deaths per year in Australia: Around 1,300 ·
5-year survival rate for early melanoma: 99%
Quick snapshot
- Melanoma 5-year survival for localised disease is 99% (Cancer Australia)
- GPs can detect skin cancer using dermoscopy (Cancer Council Australia)
- Melanoma is not the biggest cancer killer in Australia (lung cancer is) (Cancer Australia)
- Exact cost ranges vary by clinic; no official WA-wide price list exists (PMC study)
- GP detection accuracy vs specialist dermatologist is not consistently reported in WA settings (Healthdirect Australia)
- New melanoma cases rose from 15,034 (2021) to an estimated 17,443 (2025) in Australia (Cancer Australia)
- Melanoma deaths projected to increase from 1,544 (2021) to 1,894 (2025) (Cancer Australia)
- Greater awareness of early detection benefits is driving demand for skin checks in WA (Cancer Council Australia)
- More GPs are adopting dermoscopy training to meet community need (Healthdirect Australia)
Four facts, one pattern: melanoma is highly treatable when caught early, but costs and access still vary across WA.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Average skin check cost WA | $200 |
| Melanoma 5-year survival rate | 99% (localised) |
| New melanoma cases Australia 2023 | 18,000 |
| Melanoma deaths Australia per year | 1,300 |
How much does a skin check cost in WA?
Western Australians looking for a skin check have several options, and the price tag varies. At private skin cancer clinics, a full body examination typically runs between $150 and $300, according to Cancer Australia (the national cancer control agency). Single spot checks are more affordable, often $50 to $100. Some clinics offer bulk-billed checks for concession card holders, but these are not standard across WA.
What factors influence the price?
- Clinic location (Perth metro vs regional) – regional clinics sometimes charge higher fees due to lower volume (peer-reviewed study in PMC)
- Use of dermoscopy vs naked eye – dermoscopy adds a small surcharge at some practices
- Number of moles examined – a full-body check requires more time and equipment than a spot check
Are bulk-billed skin checks available in WA?
- Some general practices bulk-bill skin checks for children, pensioners, and concession card holders (Healthdirect Australia)
- Dedicated skin cancer clinics rarely bulk-bill full body checks; they operate on private billing models
Why this matters: if cost is a concern, start with a GP who bulk-bills, then follow their referral for specialist care if needed.
What are the 5 warning signs of skin cancer?
Knowing what to look for is the first line of defence. The ABCDE rule, promoted by Cancer Council Australia (the country’s leading cancer charity), covers the five key features of melanoma:
- A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
- B – Border: edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- C – Colour: uneven shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue
- D – Diameter: larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, or colour
How to use the ABCDE rule for melanoma
Cancer Council Australia also lists other warning changes: new moles, increasing size, notched outlines, colour change, a raised lump, rough or scaly surface, itch or tingle, and bleeding or weeping (source).
What does a changing mole look like?
A mole that becomes a different colour, grows larger, or develops an irregular edge is a red flag. If in doubt, Cancer Council Australia advises speaking to your GP and having suspicious spots investigated further.
“If you notice any new or changing spots on your skin, see your doctor without delay.”
— Cancer Council Australia
The pattern: early melanoma is often mistaken for a harmless mole. The ABCDE rule helps separate the two.
Can a GP detect skin cancer?
Yes, Australian GPs are trained to identify suspicious lesions. Many use a handheld device called a dermatoscope to magnify the skin and examine pigmented spots more closely. According to Healthdirect Australia (the government‑run health service), GPs can refer patients to a dermatologist if they are unsure or if the lesion looks high risk.
What training do GPs have for skin checks?
- Most GPs complete continuing professional development in skin cancer medicine
- Some clinics specialise in skin cancer and employ GPs with advanced dermoscopy training
When should you see a dermatologist instead of a GP?
- If the GP is uncertain after dermoscopy
- If the lesion has a high risk of melanoma based on its features
- If you have a strong family history of melanoma or multiple atypical moles
What this means: a GP is an excellent first stop. For complex cases, a specialist gives the highest accuracy.
What does the very beginning of skin cancer look like?
The earliest appearance depends on the type of skin cancer. Cancer Council Australia and Cancer Australia describe the following:
Early signs of basal cell carcinoma
- A pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels
- A flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar‑like lesion
- May bleed or crust without healing
Early signs of squamous cell carcinoma
- A firm, red nodule that may be tender
- A flat sore with a scaly, crusted surface
- Can develop on sun‑exposed areas like ears, face, and hands
Early signs of melanoma
- A new spot or an existing mole that changes in size, shape, or colour
- The spot often has irregular borders and multiple colours
- Itching, bleeding, or a tingling sensation in the area
“Most melanomas start as a new spot on normal skin, not from an existing mole.”
— Cancer Council Australia
Is melanoma the biggest killer in Australia?
No. According to Cancer Australia (the national cancer control agency), lung cancer causes more deaths than melanoma each year. In 2021, there were 1,544 melanoma deaths in Australia compared to over 8,000 from lung cancer. However, melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia, and its incidence is still rising.
What are the leading causes of cancer death in Australia?
- Lung cancer – highest number of cancer deaths
- Colorectal (bowel) cancer – second
- Melanoma – third (but far behind lung cancer)
- Breast and prostate cancer – also significant contributors
Why this matters: melanoma is not the biggest killer, but it is one of the most preventable and treatable – if caught early.
Pros & Cons of getting a skin check in WA
Upsides
- Early detection saves lives – 99% survival if caught early
- Widely available at GPs and private clinics
- Medicare rebates can reduce out‑of‑pocket costs
- Self‑monitoring with ABCDE rule is free
Downsides
- Costs can be $150–$300 upfront at private clinics
- GP accuracy varies; some lesions require specialist referral
- No centralised price list to compare clinics
- Waiting times for dermatologists can be weeks long
The decision hinges on your risk profile and budget.
How to get a skin check in WA – step by step
- Self‑check monthly – Use the ABCDE rule to monitor your moles. Check all body surfaces including soles and between toes (Cancer Council Australia).
- Book a GP appointment – Ask if your GP does skin checks and whether they use dermoscopy (Healthdirect Australia).
- Attend the check – The GP will examine your skin, focusing on any spots you’re worried about and high‑risk areas.
- If needed, get a referral – For suspicious lesions, the GP will refer you to a dermatologist or skin cancer clinic for further investigation or removal.
- Follow‑up – If a lesion is removed, it will likely be sent for biopsy. Depending on the result, you may need scheduled follow‑ups.
The trade‑off: a GP check is cheaper but may not catch everything; a specialist is more thorough but costs more and takes longer.
What’s confirmed, what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Melanoma 5‑year survival for early stage is 99% (Cancer Australia)
- GP can detect skin cancer using dermoscopy (Healthdirect Australia)
- Melanoma is not the biggest cancer killer in Australia (lung cancer is) (Cancer Australia)
- Skin check costs in WA range $150–$300 for a full body check (PMC study)
What’s unclear
- Exact cost ranges vary by clinic; no official WA‑wide price list exists
- GP detection accuracy vs specialist dermatologist is not consistently reported
- How many WA GPs use dermoscopy regularly is unknown
- The exact number of GPs who offer bulk‑billed skin checks in WA is unknown
Overall, the evidence supports early detection but highlights gaps in localized cost data.
Quotes from experts
“Melanoma of the skin accounted for 10,967 disability‑adjusted life years in Australia in 2021.”
— Cancer Australia (the national cancer control agency)
“Sun exposure causes most skin cancers, including melanoma, but with early detection and treatment, survival rates are high.”
— Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (government‑run health data body)
These expert statements reinforce the importance of regular skin checks.
Summary
WA residents have good options for skin checks, but the path depends on your budget and risk level. For the average person without a strong family history, an annual GP skin check with dermoscopy is a sensible, cost‑effective routine. If you have multiple atypical moles or a prior skin cancer, a specialist dermatologist is worth the extra spend. For every Western Australian, the decision is clear: get checked early, use the ABCDE rule, and don’t let cost stop you from protecting your skin.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a skin check?
For people at average risk, once a year is typical. If you have high risk factors (fair skin, many moles, family history), your GP may recommend every 6 months.
Does Medicare cover skin checks in WA?
Yes, Medicare rebates apply when a GP performs a skin check. However, full body checks at private clinics may have a gap fee. Bulk‑billed options are limited but available at some practices.
What happens during a full body skin check?
You undress to your underwear and the GP examines your entire body, including scalp, nails, soles, and between toes. They often use a dermatoscope to look closely at suspicious spots.
Can I do a skin check at home?
Yes, you can self‑check using the ABCDE rule and a mirror. But a professional check is more reliable because some lesions are hard to see (e.g., on your back or scalp).
Are skin checks painful?
No – a visual examination is painless. If a biopsy is needed, a local anaesthetic is used, so discomfort is minimal.
How long does a skin check take?
A full body check usually takes 10–15 minutes. A spot check is quicker, around 5 minutes.
Related reading
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma vs Melanoma – understand the difference between these two skin cancers
- SIA Medical Centre: Locations, Services & Bulk Billing – a Perth clinic option with bulk‑billing info
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