Why Skin Cancer Screening Matters in Newcastle
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and the Hunter region is no exception. Newcastle’s coastal lifestyle, outdoor culture, and high UV index mean that residents face significant cumulative sun exposure over their lifetime. Melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and non-melanoma skin cancers — basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas — are even more prevalent.
Early detection remains the single most important factor in skin cancer outcomes. A melanoma identified and removed when it is thin and localised has a five-year survival rate exceeding 95 per cent. By contrast, melanomas that have spread to lymph nodes or distant organs carry significantly worse prognoses. Regular professional skin checks, particularly for those with known risk factors, are a straightforward way to catch problems early.
Dr Shafiq Rahman’s Skin Cancer Qualifications
Not all GPs offer the same level of skin cancer care. Dr Shafiq Rahman brings a depth of training that sets him apart. His qualifications include MB BCH BAO, LRCSI (Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), MRCS Edinburgh (Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh), FRNZCGP (Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners), and FRACGP (Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners).
His surgical background means he is experienced in performing excisions of suspicious lesions — not just identifying them. This is a meaningful distinction. Many GPs can spot a concerning mole and refer you onwards, but Dr Rahman can often complete the assessment, removal, and follow-up care within the same practice.
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Check
A skin cancer check at Mayfield Medical Connection typically follows a structured process designed to be thorough without being unnecessarily stressful.
Step 1 — History and Risk Assessment
Dr Rahman will start by discussing your skin cancer risk factors. These include your skin type, history of sunburn (particularly blistering burns in childhood), family history of melanoma, number of moles, previous skin cancers, and any medications that may affect your skin’s sensitivity to UV light. This history helps guide how closely certain areas are examined.
Step 2 — Full-Body or Targeted Examination
Depending on your risk level and preferences, you may have a full-body skin examination or a targeted check of specific areas of concern. A full-body check involves a systematic review of all skin surfaces, including areas that don’t receive direct sun exposure. Melanoma can occasionally appear in unexpected locations, so comprehensive screening is recommended for higher-risk patients.
Step 3 — Dermatoscopy
This is where advanced training makes a difference. Dermatoscopy involves using a handheld device that shines polarised light onto the skin and magnifies the image, allowing Dr Rahman to examine lesions beneath the surface layer. Structures, pigment patterns, and vascular features that are invisible to the naked eye become visible under dermatoscopy. Research consistently shows that dermatoscopy improves diagnostic accuracy for melanoma compared to visual inspection alone.
Step 4 — Biopsy or Excision (If Needed)
If a lesion looks suspicious, Dr Rahman can perform a biopsy or excision at the practice on the same day in many cases, or schedule a dedicated procedure appointment. This avoids the delay and inconvenience of an external specialist referral for straightforward cases.
Step 5 — Pathology and Results
Removed tissue is collected on-site through ACL (Australian Clinical Labs) and sent for histopathology analysis. Results typically come back within one to two weeks. Dr Rahman reviews the results and contacts you to discuss the findings and any further steps.
When Should You Get a Skin Cancer Check?
There is no single rule that applies to everyone, but the Cancer Council and Australasian College of Dermatologists provide useful guidance:
- Higher-risk individuals (fair skin, many moles, family history of melanoma, personal history of skin cancer, history of severe sunburn) should have a professional check at least annually.
- Average-risk individuals should familiarise themselves with their skin and see a GP promptly if they notice any changes to existing moles or new lesions that look different from the rest.
- Any new or changing lesion — particularly one that is asymmetric, has irregular borders, shows multiple colours, is larger than 6mm, or is evolving in size, shape, or colour — should be assessed without delay.
If you work outdoors, spend significant time at the beach, or have a history of tanning bed use, regular checks are particularly worthwhile.
Why Get Your Skin Checked at a GP Practice?
Dedicated skin cancer clinics exist, and they serve a valuable role. However, seeing a GP with advanced skin cancer training offers some practical advantages. Dr Rahman already knows your broader medical history, can factor in medications that affect skin health, and can integrate skin surveillance into your regular health management. There’s no need to maintain a separate patient relationship with a standalone skin clinic when your GP offers equivalent expertise.
The on-site pathology collection through ACL also streamlines the process. Specimens don’t need to be transported to an external collection point — they’re handled at 55 Hanbury Street, Mayfield.
How to Book a Skin Cancer Check
To book a skin cancer check with Dr Shafiq Rahman at Mayfield Medical Connection, visit the practice website and use the AutoMed Systems online booking platform, or call (02) 4968 2157. When booking, request a longer appointment slot if you’d like a full-body examination rather than a targeted check of a specific lesion.
The practice is located at 55 Hanbury Street, Mayfield NSW 2304, in Newcastle’s inner western suburbs with convenient access from Waratah, Islington, Hamilton, and the broader Hunter region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs skin cancer checks at Mayfield Medical Connection?
Dr Shafiq Rahman performs skin cancer checks at Mayfield Medical Connection. He holds FRACGP, FRNZCGP, and MRCS Edinburgh qualifications and has advanced training in dermatoscopy and surgical excision of skin lesions.
What does a skin cancer check involve at Mayfield Medical Connection?
A skin cancer check at the practice involves a thorough visual examination of your skin using a dermatoscope — a specialised magnification device that allows the doctor to examine moles and lesions in detail. Dr Rahman assesses each lesion’s structure, colour, and pattern to determine whether further action is needed.
Can skin lesions be removed at Mayfield Medical Connection?
Yes. Dr Shafiq Rahman performs surgical excisions of suspicious skin lesions on-site at 55 Hanbury Street, Mayfield. This means many patients can have their skin check and any necessary removal done at the same practice without needing a separate referral to a surgeon.
Is there pathology on-site for skin cancer testing?
Mayfield Medical Connection has on-site pathology collection through ACL (Australian Clinical Labs). After a skin lesion is excised, the tissue sample is collected and sent to the laboratory for histopathology analysis. Results are typically available within one to two weeks.
How often should I get a skin cancer check?
The Cancer Council recommends that people at higher risk of skin cancer have a professional skin check at least once a year. Risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburn, many moles, a family history of melanoma, or previous skin cancer. Your GP can advise on the right schedule for your individual risk profile.
How do I book a skin cancer check at Mayfield Medical Connection?
You can book a skin cancer check with Dr Shafiq Rahman through the AutoMed Systems online booking platform on the practice website, or by calling (02) 4968 2157. Request a longer appointment if you’d like a full-body skin check.
What is dermatoscopy and why does it matter for skin cancer screening?
Dermatoscopy uses a handheld magnification device with polarised light to examine skin lesions beneath the surface layer. It allows doctors to see structures and patterns invisible to the naked eye, significantly improving the accuracy of melanoma and skin cancer detection compared to visual inspection alone.
Do I need a referral for a skin cancer check at Mayfield Medical Connection?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with Dr Shafiq Rahman for a skin cancer check. As a GP, he can assess, diagnose, and treat many skin cancers without requiring an external specialist referral, though he will refer to a specialist if clinically appropriate.