CQ Skin Cancer Centre

If you have any unusual lesions on your body that stand out from the rest, or if a lesion is not going away on its own after several weeks or months, it's essential to get it assessed by a doctor. Typically, melanoma will show one of the ABCD signs: Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colours, or Diameter larger than 6mm.

Conveniently located on the corner of Downie Avenue and Edmonds Street, Bucasia, CQ Skin Cancer Centre in Mackay is just 25 minutes from the Mackay CBD. Free on-site parking is provided at the front door. If you arrive by car, entry via Downie Avenue is best. If you're taking public transport, there is a bus stop right outside at Edmonds St at Downie Avenue.

Early melanomas are usually very small (less than 1mm) and have not yet spread to other areas of the body such as the lymph nodes or other organs. 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. Early 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. 

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. Skin cancer cannot be diagnosed with the naked eye, but in between professional skin checks you can self-monitor for any spots that are crusting, bleeding, itching, standing out from the rest, or new or changing in any way.