Skin cancers, including potentially deadly melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas, can sometimes appear as blisters, pimples, or simply sores that won't heal. The only definitive way to identify a skin malignancy is to have it assessed by a doctor with training in skin cancer medicine, who will examine the lesion with a dermatoscope and perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis.

Conveniently located on the corner of the Princes Highway and Mansfield Street, Berwick Skin Cancer Centre is just an hour from the Melbourne CBD. It was formerly called Sun Patrol Skin Cancer Centre. Ample free parking is available at the front door off Van Der Haar Avenue. If you're taking public transport, the nearest bus stop is just down the road at Cyril Molyneux Reserve/Mansfield St.

Melanoma typically stands out as looking different from the rest of the lesions on your skin and often shows one of the ABCD signs: Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colours, or Diameter larger than 6mm. Non-melanoma skin cancers such as squamous or basal cell carcinomas can appear as a scaly red patch on sun-exposed areas of the skin, an open sore that won't heal, a rough or thick patch of irritated skin, a raised growth, or even a blister. They can become crusty and easily bleed. Skin cancers may show no symptoms at all, which is why regular professional skin checks are so important.

Comprehensive skin cancer checks are privately billed, which means they are not fully covered by Medicare. However, after you pay the upfront cost of the skin check, you can claim a partial Medicare rebate of approximately $39 or more. 

A GP might refer a patient with skin cancer concerns to a skin cancer clinic, surgeon or dermatologist for skin lesion biopsies and treatment, especially if they don't have advanced postgraduate training and experience in skin cancer medicine or the facilities to perform the biopsy procedure. That's why a skin cancer clinic is a suitable one-stop-shop for skin cancer diagnosis, biopsy and treatment.