Skin Cancer Explained

Do I really need a skin check? I feel fine.

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Check my risk

MoleMap Team

November 4, 2026

7 minutes

If your skin isn’t sore, itchy or bleeding, it’s easy to assume there is nothing to worry about. But skin cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms. Many skin cancers are identified by how a spot looks or changes, rather than by how it feels.

That’s why feeling well does not necessarily mean your skin is healthy. A professional skin check can help identify changes that may be difficult to see yourself, particularly on areas such as your scalp, back, ears or the soles of your feet.

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Wouldn’t I be able to tell if I had skin cancer?

Not always. Skin cancers can look very different from one another, and some may appear similar to harmless freckles, moles or other skin lesions. They also rarely feel different from the surrounding skin.

A spot does not have to be painful or uncomfortable to need attention. Changes in size, shape, colour or structure not visible to the naked eye can be important, even when they are subtle. A professional assessment can help determine whether a lesion needs monitoring or further investigation.

I don’t have many moles. Do I still need a skin check?

Yes. Having many moles can increase your risk, but it is not the only factor to consider. Skin cancer can develop in anyone, including people with few or no noticeable moles.

Your risk may also be influenced by your skin type, family history, previous sun exposure, history of sunburn and whether you have had skin cancer before. People living in New Zealand are exposed to high levels of UV radiation, which can cause cumulative damage over time.

What's my skin cancer risk?

Answer six simple questions (takes less than 1 minute) to discover your risk and the right skin check for you.

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Why should I have a skin check every year?

An annual skin check is a useful routine for many people, particularly in New Zealand where skin cancer is common. Regular checks provide an opportunity to identify new or changing lesions earlier and create a point of comparison over time.

Your recommended check schedule should be based on your individual risk. People with a history of skin cancer or other risk factors may need to attend more frequently.

A yearly appointment also makes it easier to stay on top of your skin health. It can be difficult to remember exactly how every spot looked months ago, especially in areas that are hard to see.

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What if my moles have always looked the same?

That is reassuring, but it does not mean a skin check is unnecessary. Most moles are harmless, and the purpose of a skin check is not to assume that every mole is a concern. It is to assess your skin carefully and identify anything that may need attention.

You should also continue checking your own skin regularly. Look for new or changing spots, and ask someone to help you check areas such as your back, scalp and the backs of your ears.

If you notice a spot that is changing, bleeding, crusting, not healing or worrying you, arrange an assessment rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.

You do not need to feel unwell to benefit from a skin check. Regular professional checks, alongside getting to know your own skin, can help support early detection.

MoleMap Team

At MoleMap we check, detect and treat skin cancer. Find out how you can protect your skin at your nearest MoleMap skin cancer clinic.