Skin cancer screening
Skin cancer screening, done by the right eyes.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide — and one of the most curable when found early. A specialist dermatologist is trained to recognise the earliest signs that are easy to miss. A screening at Omnia Dermatology is a calm, thorough, head-to-toe examination of your skin by Dr Claudia Moloabi, with clear answers at the end of it.
Why screening matters
Found early, skin cancer is beatable.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The three most common types — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma — are all most treatable in their earliest stages. Melanoma in particular can spread if ignored, yet has an excellent outcome when caught early.
The challenge is that early skin cancers rarely announce themselves. They can look like a harmless mole, a pimple that won't heal, a rough patch, or nothing much at all. By the time a lesion is obviously worrying to the untrained eye, valuable time has passed.
This is where specialist training matters. Dermatologists examine skin lesions with dermoscopy — magnified, illuminated examination of the structures beneath the surface — which significantly improves the detection of early cancers and reduces unnecessary removal of harmless moles.
An important note for every skin tone: skin cancer occurs in darker skin too, and is often diagnosed later — frequently in less sun-exposed sites such as the palms, soles and nails. Screening matters for everyone.
Who should be screened?
- Anyone with a new, changing or odd-looking mole or lesion
- Fair skin, a history of sunburn or heavy sun exposure
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Many moles, or moles that are hard to self-monitor
- Outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts
- Anyone who has simply never had their skin checked
What screening includes
A thorough check, not a glance.
Everything a specialist screening should be.
01
Full-body skin examination
A systematic, unhurried check of your skin from scalp to soles — including the places you can't see yourself.
02
Dermoscopy
Specialist magnified examination of individual lesions, revealing structures invisible to the naked eye.
03
Risk assessment
Your personal risk profile — skin type, history, family history and sun exposure — with a recommended screening interval.
04
Clear next steps
If anything needs attention, you leave knowing exactly what it is, why, and what happens next.
Your screening visit
What happens at a screening.
Most screenings end in reassurance. All of them end in clarity.
History & risk profile
Your sun exposure, previous skin issues, family history and any lesions you've noticed.
Head-to-toe examination
A systematic full-body skin check in a private, professional setting — at your pace.
Dermoscopic assessment
Any lesion of interest is examined under dermoscopy for an accurate, evidence-based call.
Plan & follow-up
Reassurance, monitoring, or further management — each clearly explained, with your next screening date set.
Screening questions
Screening, answered.
Have a question that isn't covered here? Ask the practice directly.
How often should I have a skin check?
It depends on your risk. Many adults benefit from an annual full-body examination; patients with previous skin cancer, strong family history or many atypical moles may need more frequent checks. Your recommended interval is set at your first screening — personally, not generically.
What does the ABCDE rule mean?
It is a self-check guide for melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving — any change in size, shape, colour or symptoms. Any one of these is a reason to have a lesion examined. But note: not all melanomas follow the rules, which is why professional screening matters.
Can people with dark skin get skin cancer?
Yes. While the risk is lower than in fair skin, skin cancer in darker skin is often found later — and outcomes suffer for it. Melanoma in skin of colour frequently appears on the palms, soles or under the nails. Screening is for every skin tone.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
You will be told honestly and calmly what Dr Moloabi sees and what she recommends — whether that is monitoring with photographs, a biopsy, or referral for further management. Nothing happens without your understanding and agreement.
Can a skin check be done by video?
A full skin cancer screening needs an in-person examination — dermoscopy cannot be done over video. However, teledermatology is useful for an initial look at a specific spot you're worried about, to advise how urgently it should be seen in practice.