A day at the beach is not always one of enjoyment for Dr Laurence Anderson who says he is often shocked by the number of beachgoers baking, uncovered, in the midday sun. "I see them roasting and I feel like telling them off," he admits. A GP who works part-time at the Eastern Suburbs Skin Cancer Clinic, Dr Anderson knows better than most the damage done to unprotected skin. In summer, he sees up to 25 patients a day, and one in 10 of those need further treatment.

Checks increase this time of year, when awareness about skin cancer is high, reveals Dr Brian Morton, a GP and vice-president of the Australian Medical Association NSW. He recommends an annual check for anyone at high risk of skin cancer especially for "people with long sun exposure or a family history [of skin cancer]", and regular checks for everyone else. In the first instance, skin should be examined at your local GP or a specialised skin clinic (staffed by qualified GPs).

In the meantime, everyone should check their moles, advises The Cancer Council Australia.

We visited a GP and skin cancer clinic to let you know what you are in for...

Location: Local GP
Cost: Normal GP cost
What happens: The doctor checks your moles visually, using a magnifier and, if any need removing, can do so in the surgery or refer you to a specialist. I was surprised to discover that the moles I was worried about were fine and the ones I should watch were on my feet and legs. I didn't even know they were there!

"A good tip is to get your partner or friend to check any moles you can't see," advised Dr Brian Morton, who explained malignant melanomas are often found on the feet, ears and, interestingly, under toenails.

He also suggests getting moles checked whenever you visit your GP; for example, when you have a Pap smear, which means you could have regular checks without making a big deal out of it and reduce your medical expenses.

Location: Eastern Suburbs Skin Cancer Clinic, Sydney
Cost: Bulk billed
What happens: Firstly, I filled out a list of questions about my medical history, including family history of skin cancer, then entered Dr Laurence Anderson's office. He examined my moles, using a dermatoscope - a magnifying tool - to look at and measure the diameter of any that seemed unusually dark. That way, when I return for a check-up in six months, he'll know if any have changed.

He checked my entire body, including the soles of my feet and between my toes. I was also given a leaflet with pictures of different skin cancers and a checklist of what to look for. Dr Anderson also warned me to get a second opinion if a doctor seemed too eager to operate.

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