Quick answer: A facial is not a skin cancer check. National Skin Cancer Action Week runs from 15 to 22 November 2026, and it is a good reminder to get to know your skin, protect it every day, and see your GP about any new or changing spot.
What is National Skin Cancer Action Week?
National Skin Cancer Action Week is Cancer Council Australia's annual sun safety campaign, held in the third week of November. The 2026 campaign reminds us that sun safe habits last a lifetime.
It matters here because Australia has the highest skin cancer rate in the world, and about two in three Australians will be diagnosed in their lifetime. On the peninsula, with the beach so close, sun protection is simply part of looking after your skin.
Where do facials fit with skin checks?
A facial is a skin treatment, and a skin check is a medical assessment. They do different jobs, and one never replaces the other.
Our therapists are trained in skin care, not skin cancer diagnosis, so we can't tell you whether a spot is safe. If we happen to notice something during your treatment that we think a doctor should look at, we'll mention it and suggest you see your GP or a dermatologist.
What should you look for on your own skin?
A self-check is a regular look over your whole body for anything new or changing. Cancer Council's guide suggests undressing fully, using good light, and using a mirror or asking someone to help with hard-to-see areas like your back and scalp.
Its ABCDE guide is a helpful way to remember what to look for:
Asymmetry: one half of the spot looks different from the other.
Border: the edge is irregular.
Colour: the colour is uneven.
Diameter: the spot is getting bigger.
Evolving: the spot is changing.
Also note any spot that itches, tingles, bleeds or weeps, or looks different from the others. When in doubt, speak to your GP, who can also advise on what your own risk means for medical checks.
How can you look after your skin this summer?
Daily sun protection is the habit that matters most for summer skin. Cancer Council's five SunSmart steps are clothing, SPF50+ sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses, with protection a priority when the UV Index is 3 or above.
Three small steps are a good place to start this week:
Book your GP appointment if you've been meaning to ask about a spot.
Make sunscreen part of your morning routine, if it slipped over winter.
Keep up your regular skin care, with facials and homecare that suit your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can a beauty therapist check my moles?
No. A beauty therapist can't assess or diagnose a mole or spot. If we notice something during a treatment, we'll suggest you have it looked at. For any new or changing spot, see your GP or a dermatologist, even if you've recently had a facial.
When does a spot need a doctor's opinion?
See your GP if a spot is new or changing, or if it itches, tingles, bleeds or weeps. Cancer Council also advises seeing your GP about a new mole that appears after age 25. When you're unsure, it is always worth asking.
How often should I check my own skin?
Cancer Council recommends making self-checks a regular habit, so you get to know your skin and notice changes. It doesn't set one schedule for everyone. Your GP can advise on what suits your skin and your risk, including whether you need medical checks.
Book a skin consultation
If you'd like advice on your daily skin care and sun protection, book a complimentary Skin Consultation at our Avalon Beach clinic, or call us on 02 9918 7288.
This post is general information, not medical advice. If you notice a new or changing spot, please see your GP or a dermatologist.