When Nicola Clarke first noticed a change in her skin, she booked in to see a doctor, who diagnosed her with melanoma. In the past year she has been treated for 20 skin cancers.

Now she hopes her experience can help others.

"There were quite a few times where I burnt too much because I spent the day at the swimming pool," says Nicola, who lives in Toowoomba QLD. "I have learnt that early detection [of skin cancer] is best."

Dr Franco Rodriguez, a doctor with advanced training in skin cancer medicine who diagnoses and treats patients at Darling Downs Skin Cancer Centre, says that a single peeling sunburn before your seventh birthday will double your lifetime risk of getting a melanoma, which is why regular skin checks are so important.

Watch the full news story about Nicola Clarke: