As Australians, we love spending time in the great outdoors. And while our country is blessed with almost year-round sunny weather, we also have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Indeed, some sources say that two out of three Australians can expect to develop at least one cancer in their lifetime.
Unfortunately, without proper protection, too much fun in the sun can have dire consequences. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. In addition to sun protection, seeking shade, and wearing the proper clothing (including sunnies and a hat), the best way to keep your skin healthy is with regular skin check-ups. It’s important to go to a professional who has the right technology and know-how to check your skin for cancer.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a skin cancer care clinic, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great skin cancer clinic?
Skin cancer should never be taken lightly. When it comes to investing in skin checks, you want to rest easy knowing you’re dealing with the best in the business. This will give you confidence and peace of mind.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a skin cancer clinic.
- Specialist staff. Look for a skin cancer clinic with staff who have skin cancer qualifications. This is an area of expertise.
- Experienced staff. The more experienced a doctor is, the quicker they can identify troublesome spots, and recommend an effective treatment.
- Latest equipment. Like other fields of medicine, the technology designed to diagnose and treat skin cancer is advancing at lightning speed. Opt for a clinic that invests in the latest equipment. This can include computer-assisted full body skin cancer screening and imagine systems.
- Comfortable. With a full body skin check you’ll have to remove most of your clothing, but you should be given a gown and never made to feel violated or uncomfortable during the process.
- Cost. Check the cost of an appointment, and method of payment, while booking so there are no surprises. If cost is a factor, look for a skin cancer clinic or specialist GP that bulk bills.
The best skin cancer clinics in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Florey Medical Centre
Florey Medical Centre has been providing quality health care to Canberra for over 30 years, as one of the first general practice clinics to offer extended hours. Accepting new patients and walk-ins, Florey Medical Centre also has its very own skin clinic, offering dermatology, cryotherapy and surgical procedures, as well as skin cancer checks.
On Google, Eric Huang writes, "Super convenient walk in waiting list time every day, very polite and patient front desk staff plus good doctors, A+++ recommended."
Morris Wellness
As a leading skin care expert in Canberra, Dr Andrew Morris of Morris Wellness in Kingston has been screening for cancer since 1999. To keep clients safe, Dr Morris uses the latest technology, including Computer Assisted Skin Cancer Screening and the very latest in professional imaging systems. This technology helps with early recognition of skin cancer and image documentation. Dr Morris is an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor (Skin Cancer College Australasia). Having accumulated more than 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine, Dr Morris has also completed multiple certificate and advanced certificate courses in dermoscopy and skin cancer medicine and surgery.
Satisfied customer, Louise Patricia, wrote on Google, “Best skin checkup I’ve ever had. Prompt, on time and the use of a computer to map is invaluable. Lovely place. Highly recommend.”
360uv Skin Cancer Clnic
As a comprehensive and professionally supported skin cancer clinic, 360uv offers prevention, monitoring, intervention and management of skin cancer health. Managed by Dr Alastair Taylor and supported by a medical team of qualified specialists and GPs, 360uv uses specific technology in skin cancer checks, including clinical photography, and provides diagnosis, referral and/or management of lesions, arranging non-invasive management of the lesion or surgical excision. Located in Deakin, 360uv provides highly effective skin cancer monitoring and skin checks.
Patricia Easteal wrote on Google, "Dr Rachel Liang did (what felt like a very thorough) skin cancer check yesterday: very professional but not patronising at all. She provided advice about future skin care and was remarkably empathetic, courteous and kind."
If you’ve got a problem with your skin but you’re not sure what it may be, our article on the best dermatologists in Canberra may help you.
Your experience with skin cancer clinics in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the skin cancer clinics listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do skin cancer clinics check for skin cancer?
To be comfortable with your skin cancer test, you first need to understand how the clinic you've selected will go about conducting the test. Ask if the clinic has the latest equipment and technology. Ask about the process they will follow in using that equipment or conducting other examinations.
What are skin cancer clinic fees?
It's essential to understand what the costs are for having your skin checked for cancer before your appointment so there are no surprises. Also ask about the method of payment. You may want to, for example, select a clinic that bulk bills.
What qualifications do skin cancer clinic staff have?
You will only want to select a skin cancer clinic that has specialist and qualified staff. The clinic should be able to be specific about credentials and qualifications. You can also ask about any professional bodies they belong too and where they studied.
What happens if I have skin cancer?
Before your appointment you should gain an understanding of what will happen if you discover you have some level of skin cancer. Your specialist may not be able to provide precise steps without first understand what type of cancer you have and what level, but they should have in place a method for 'next steps'.
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