Skin Cancer Checks in Bondi at Ocean Medical Practice
With spring around the corner, it is an important reminder for those living in Bondi to get your skin checked.
Bondi has many benefits: the beach, outdoor exercise, surfing, swimming, running, walking and an active Sydney Eastern Suburbs lifestyle. But regular sun exposure also means it is important to take skin cancer seriously.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and more than 95% of skin cancers in Australia are attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV damage can accumulate over a lifetime, while intense intermittent exposure and sunburn are particularly important risk factors for melanoma.
For people living in or regularly visiting Bondi, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Bondi Junction, Tamarama, Bronte, Bellevue Hill, Waverley and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, skin protection and awareness of changing spots are particularly important.
At Ocean Medical Practice on Bondi Road, our Bondi doctors & GP team provides preventive healthcare and assessment of concerning skin lesions. If you have noticed a new, changing, bleeding or non-healing spot—or simply want to discuss your individual skin cancer risk with a doctor—it is appropriate to arrange a medical assessment.
Dr Luke Onghas furthered his training in skin cancer medicine and skin checks, alongside his broader general practice interests.
Concerned about a spot or mole? Don’t wait for it to become painful. Book an appointment with Ocean Medical Practice Bondi to discuss your skin and whether a skin cancer examination is appropriate.
Book an Appointment Online at Ocean Medical Practice
What are the main types of skin cancer in Australia?
The three major types of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma
BCC and SCC are often grouped together as keratinocyte cancers or historically as “non-melanoma skin cancers”. They are much more common than melanoma. Cancer Council Australia estimates that BCC accounts for approximately 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers and SCC approximately 30%.
Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC, but it is potentially much more serious because it can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Early detection is therefore extremely important.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in Australia.
BCC develops from basal cells in the epidermis. It usually grows relatively slowly and is most commonly found on areas exposed to the sun, particularly the:
- Face, Nose, Ears, Scalp, Neck, Shoulders, Back and Arms
A BCC may appear as:
- A pearly, pink or flesh-coloured lump
- A shiny or translucent bump
- A persistent pink or red area
- A scaly patch
- A sore that repeatedly crusts or bleeds
- A lesion that appears to heal but repeatedly returns
Although BCC rarely spreads to distant organs, it should not simply be ignored. Untreated BCC can grow into surrounding tissue and, particularly when located in sensitive areas such as the nose, ears or around the eyes, treatment can become more complicated.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma develops from squamous cells in the epidermis.
SCC is strongly associated with cumulative UV exposure and is particularly common on areas that receive substantial sunlight, including the:
- Face, Ears, Scalp, Neck, Hands, Forearms, and Lower legs
SCC may look like:
- A thickened, rough or scaly area
- A red, crusted lesion
- A rapidly growing lump
- A sore that does not heal
- A lesion that bleeds easily
- A tender or painful spot
SCC generally grows more quickly than BCC. Some SCCs can invade deeper tissues and spread to other parts of the body, particularly when they occur in higher-risk locations or in people with certain risk factors.
- Melanoma
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin.
Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC but is the skin cancer that causes the greatest concern about potentially life-threatening spread. Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new spot.
Importantly, melanoma does not always look like a classic dark brown or black mole. It can sometimes be pink, red, skin-coloured or otherwise atypical. Melanoma can also occur on areas of the body that receive relatively little sun exposure.
A useful way to remember warning signs is ABCDE:
- A – Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other.
- B – Border: edges are irregular, uneven or poorly defined.
- C – Colour: colour is uneven or several colours are present.
- D – Diameter: a lesion is larger than approximately 6 mm, although melanoma can be smaller.
- E – Evolving: the spot is changing in size, shape, colour or behaviour.
The “E”—evolving—is particularly important. A changing mole or spot deserves medical assessment regardless of its size.
Cancer Council Australia also emphasises that a new or changing spot should be checked by a doctor.
What causes skin cancer?
The major environmental cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
UV radiation can damage DNA within skin cells. When DNA damage accumulates and cellular repair mechanisms fail, abnormal cells can develop and eventually form skin cancer. Solar UV radiation is recognised as carcinogenic to humans.
Cancer Council Australia estimates that more than 95% of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
This is why sun protection is not simply about avoiding sunburn. You can receive significant UV exposure without developing an obvious burn.
UV exposure can occur while:
- Walking along Bondi Beach
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Running
- Cycling
- Playing sport
- Gardening
- Walking the dog
- Sitting outdoors at a café
- Driving
- Working outside
- Spending weekends at the beach
UV damage accumulates throughout life.
Why are people in Bondi at increased risk?
Bondi’s lifestyle can make UV exposure particularly easy to accumulate.
Bondi Beach and the surrounding Eastern Suburbs provide abundant opportunities for outdoor activity. Surfing, swimming, running, cycling, beach walks and outdoor fitness are all excellent activities for physical and mental health—but they can also increase cumulative sun exposure.
The important point is not that living in Bondi itself causes skin cancer.
Rather, people who live in Bondi may have a lifestyle that increases opportunities for UV exposure.
This may include:
- Frequent beach visits
- Surfing and swimming
- Outdoor exercise
- Weekend sports
- Walking and running
- Outdoor employment
- Gardening
- Boating
- Regular holidays in sunny locations
- Childhood and teenage sun exposure
Australia also experiences high levels of UV radiation. UV can damage unprotected skin throughout much of the year, not just during the hottest summer days.
For Bondi residents, sun protection should therefore be part of an everyday outdoor lifestyle rather than something reserved for beach holidays.
Sun exposure and different types of skin cancer
Not all sun exposure carries exactly the same relationship with every type of skin cancer.
Melanoma and intermittent intense sun exposure
Melanoma risk is strongly associated with patterns of intermittent, intense UV exposure, particularly when accompanied by sunburn.
For example, someone who spends most weekdays indoors but has repeated intense sun exposure on weekends, holidays or beach trips may still accumulate important melanoma risk.
Childhood and adolescent UV exposure are also important. High UV exposure early in life and episodes of sunburn are associated with increased melanoma risk.
BCC and UV exposure
Basal cell carcinoma is associated with both cumulative and intermittent UV exposure.
BCC commonly develops on sun-exposed areas, including the head, face, neck and upper body.
SCC and cumulative UV exposure
Squamous cell carcinoma has a particularly strong association with long-term cumulative UV exposure.
This is one reason outdoor workers are at increased risk.
Family history and your risk of skin cancer
Sun exposure is extremely important, but it is not the only factor.
Genetics and family history can also influence skin cancer risk.
Family history of melanoma
Having a close relative with melanoma can increase your own risk.
Cancer Council Australia identifies a first-degree family history of melanoma as an important risk factor. People with multiple close relatives affected by melanoma, particularly where melanomas occurred at young ages or more than once in the same individual, may have a stronger inherited susceptibility.
Importantly, most melanomas are not caused by a single inherited gene mutation. However, family history can be an important part of an individual’s overall risk assessment.
Previous skin cancer
If you have previously had a skin cancer, your risk of developing another skin cancer is higher.
This applies particularly to people who have had multiple keratinocyte cancers or melanoma.
If you have previously been treated for skin cancer, discuss an appropriate surveillance plan with your GP.
Other important skin cancer risk factors
Your doctor may consider a range of factors when assessing your individual risk.
These include:
Fair or sun-sensitive skin
People with fair skin, freckles, light eyes, or red or fair hair who burn easily rather than tan generally have a higher risk of skin cancer.
Large numbers of moles
Having many naevi (moles), particularly atypical or dysplastic naevi, is associated with increased melanoma risk.
Previous sunburn
Sunburn is a marker of significant UV exposure and is particularly relevant to melanoma risk.
Repeated intense sun exposure and sunburn during childhood and young adulthood are important risk factors.
Solarium use
Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds and solariums increases skin cancer risk. Commercial solariums are banned in Australia because of the associated health risks.
Weakened immune system
People whose immune systems are suppressed—for example because of certain medical conditions or immunosuppressive medicines—can have an increased risk of skin cancer.
Outdoor activities and skin cancer risk
Bondi is an ideal location for an active lifestyle.
There is no reason to stop exercising outdoors simply because UV radiation is a risk.
Instead, combine outdoor activity with effective sun protection.
Surfing and swimming
Water sports can involve prolonged UV exposure. Reflection from water can also contribute to overall UV exposure.
Surfers and swimmers should consider:
- Rash vests or other protective clothing
- A broad-brimmed or appropriate sun-protective hat when practical
- SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin
- Reapplication of sunscreen according to the product instructions, especially after swimming or sweating
- Avoiding unnecessary exposure when UV levels are high
Running, walking and cycling
People who exercise outdoors regularly can accumulate substantial UV exposure without necessarily noticing it.
Consider planning exercise outside periods of high UV where practical, choosing shaded routes and using protective clothing and sunscreen.
Gardening and outdoor recreation
Gardening, golf, tennis, sailing, fishing and other outdoor activities can create substantial cumulative UV exposure.
Sun protection should be part of your normal equipment—not an afterthought.
Occupational sun exposure: who is at risk?
Outdoor workers can receive considerably more cumulative UV exposure than people who work indoors.
Occupations with significant outdoor exposure include:
- Construction workers
- Landscapers
- Gardeners
- Agricultural workers
- Tradies
- Delivery and transport workers
- Lifeguards
- Outdoor instructors
- Sports professionals
- Groundskeepers
- Some hospitality workers
- Marine and boating workers
Cancer Council Australia identifies outdoor work as an important risk factor, particularly for keratinocyte cancers such as BCC and SCC.
Employers and workers should take occupational UV protection seriously.
Protective clothing, hats, shade, sunscreen and appropriate work practices can reduce exposure.
If you have worked outdoors for many years, particularly if you have had frequent sunburns or have noticed multiple sunspots or changing lesions, speak with your GP about your individual risk.
Should you have a skin cancer check?
There is no single population-wide skin cancer screening schedule recommended for every Australian.
Instead, the need for medical skin examinations should be based on individual risk factors and symptoms. Cancer Council Australia notes that population-based screening of people without symptoms is not currently recommended because evidence is insufficient to demonstrate that mass screening reduces mortality.
However, people with increased risk may benefit from regular skin awareness, self-examination and medical assessment.
This is particularly relevant if you:
- Have previously had skin cancer
- Have a family history of melanoma or skin cancer
- Have many moles
- Have atypical moles
- Have fair or sun-sensitive skin
- Have had significant sun exposure
- Have experienced repeated sunburn
- Work outdoors
- Spend a lot of recreational time outdoors
- Are concerned about a changing lesion
Your GP can help determine what is appropriate for you.
What happens during a skin cancer check?
A skin examination begins with a discussion of your history and concerns.
Your GP may ask about:
- Previous skin cancers
- Family history
- Sun exposure
- Outdoor work
- Previous sunburn
- Number and type of moles
- New or changing lesions
- Previous treatments or biopsies
The doctor then examines suspicious areas of skin.
A dermatoscope is a handheld magnifying device that can provide additional detail when assessing pigmented and non-pigmented lesions. Cancer Council Australia notes that doctors may use dermoscopy as part of the examination and may examine other areas of the skin as appropriate.
If a lesion is concerning, further assessment may be required.
This may include:
- Monitoring
- Clinical photography
- Biopsy
- Excision
- Referral to a dermatologist or other specialist
A biopsy is the definitive way to establish the diagnosis of many suspected skin cancers because tissue can be examined under a microscope.
Don’t wait for a skin check if a lesion is changing
A routine skin examination is different from seeking medical attention for a suspicious lesion.
If you notice a new or changing spot, arrange a medical assessment rather than waiting for your next routine check.
Seek prompt medical advice if a lesion:
- Changes size
- Changes shape
- Changes colour
- Develops several colours
- Becomes asymmetrical
- Starts bleeding
- Repeatedly crusts
- Becomes painful or tender
- Itches persistently
- Fails to heal
- Grows noticeably over weeks or months
Nodular melanoma can be particularly difficult to recognise using the traditional ABCDE approach because it can develop rapidly and may appear as a relatively uniform raised lesion.
How to protect your skin in Bondi
The best skin cancer strategy combines prevention with early detection.
Cancer Institute NSW recommends the familiar Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide approach:
- Slip on protective clothing
- Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
Pay particular attention when the UV Index is 3 or above.
Remember that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection. It should not be used as a reason to spend longer in the sun.
For Bondi residents, practical strategies include:
- Checking the UV Index before outdoor activities
- Choosing shade where available
- Wearing sun-protective clothing
- Wearing a hat
- Applying SPF50+ sunscreen to exposed skin
- Reapplying sunscreen appropriately
- Avoiding intentional tanning
- Avoiding solariums
- Protecting children from excessive UV exposure
- Regularly looking at your own skin
Why early detection matters
The appearance of skin cancer can vary considerably.
Some lesions are obvious. Others can look like an ordinary mole, sunspot, pimple, scab or irritated patch.
That is why knowing your own skin and recognising change is important.
Early assessment can allow potentially serious lesions to be investigated before they become larger or more invasive.
This does not mean every unusual-looking spot is cancer. Many skin lesions are benign.
The purpose of a skin cancer examination is to identify lesions that warrant further investigation and provide appropriate reassurance or management.
Skin cancer checks at Ocean Medical Practice Bondi
Ocean Medical Practice is located at 194 Bondi Road, Bondi, conveniently serving patients from Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, North Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Bellevue Hill, Waverley and surrounding Eastern Suburbs.
Our broader GP services include preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, women’s health, men’s health, children’s health and skin-related assessment.
Dr Luke Ong has undertaken further training in skin cancer medicine and skin checks, as well as minor procedures and cryotherapy.
For patients specifically seeking a skin cancer examination, it is worth confirming practitioner availability and the appropriate appointment type when booking, as clinic services and individual doctor availability can change.
Book your skin cancer assessment
If you live in Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, North Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Bellevue Hill or the wider Eastern Suburbs, don’t ignore a changing mole or persistent skin lesion.
Book an appointment with Ocean Medical Practice Bondi to discuss your concerns and whether a skin cancer examination is appropriate for you.
Last medically reviewed: 16 August 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Ocean Medical Practice – Bondi Medical Centre
Location: Bondi Road, Bondi NSW
