In 2025, provisional data on the Ministry of Transport website<\/a> showed 272 people died on New Zealand roads, while Melanoma NZ noted more than 320 people died from melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. <\/p>\n Now for the good news. If caught early, MoleMap NZ says 90% of skin cancers can be cured with simple surgery alone. <\/p>\n Early detection requires regular full body skin checks, whether that\u2019s through a private dermatologist or by booking in with a specialist clinic like MoleMap or Skin Institute. Most GPs offer spot checks, too. <\/p>\n Here are the different types of skin checks available in New Zealand, the technology behind them, and how much you can expect to pay. <\/p>\n Skin Check 101<\/p>\n What\u2019s the difference between a full-body skin check and spot check? <\/p>\n The former is a thorough, head-to-toe skin cancer assessment using a handheld dermascope (a hand-held visual aid to help examine and diagnose skin lesions) or full-body scan technology (more on that below), while the latter is a brief appointment to check up to three moles or lesions that may be concerning.<\/p>\n How often should you be getting a full-body skin check? <\/p>\n Annually is recommended by Melanoma NZ, or more often if you are considered high risk (for example, those with fair skin or a weakened immune system) or notice a change to a freckle, mole or lesion. <\/p>\n Most clinics factor in personal or family history, age and history of sun exposure to personalise skin surveillance, and recommend checks anywhere between six-monthly for a higher risk individual to a follow-up every two years for people at a lower risk.<\/p>\n Self-checks can be performed at home every 1-3 months, says Molemap NZ. <\/p>\n What are you looking for during a self-check? <\/p>\n Remember the ABCDEs of melanoma: <\/p>\n Asymmetry (irregular shape), Border (jagged edge), Colour (varied shades), Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser), and Evolving (changing).<\/p>\n SkinTracker at Skin Institute<\/p>\n How it works: SkinTracker is Skin Institute\u2019s newest and most advanced skin monitoring system, which creates a clear, trackable record to detect changes \u2013 even those not visible to the naked eye. <\/p>\n Developed in New Zealand by a network of skin cancer doctors, dermatologists and surgeons, SkinTracker combines total body imaging and a comprehensive skin examination with AI technology, to detect and track changes to skin over time, including early signs of melanoma. <\/p>\n According to Queenstown-based skin cancer specialist Dr Megan Reilly, the kind of long-term monitoring SkinTracker offers is instrumental in supporting early detection of melanoma. <\/p>\n Reilly believes technology like SkinTracker is the \u201cgold standard\u201d for higher-risk patients. \u201cIt is recommended by many international dermatology and skin cancer organisations, which has helped drive the introduction of this AI-assisted approach in New Zealand,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n She adds the efficacy of SkinTracker lies in its precision \u2013 where some skin cancer checks call for handheld cameras or smartphone use, SkinTracker\u2019s automated camera system utilises laser positioning to capture high-res, accurate images of skin that can be interpreted using AI tools to track and highlight changes. <\/p>\n \u201cOne of the biggest advantages of SkinTracker is that it creates a detailed baseline of a person\u2019s skin. Once this baseline is established, clinicians can monitor for subtle changes over time, which is often how early melanomas are detected,\u201d Reilly says. <\/p>\n Patients can book in for their SkinTracker starting with the AI imaging, followed by the skin check appointment with a nurse dermoscopist or skin cancer doctor. Reilly says the imaging and AI analysis are not diagnostic on their own, so this dual-approach with a full clinical skin examination ensures lesions that require closer assessment are also checked. <\/p>\n \u201cAdditionally, some areas are difficult to image accurately, such as between the toes, within body folds, the scalp, and areas of dense hair, and clinicians also need to assess the overall pattern of a patient\u2019s skin and clinical history,\u201d Reilly says. <\/p>\n \u201cSkinTracker works best when advanced imaging, AI support, and a thorough clinical examination are combined.\u201d<\/p>\n How long it takes: The first Baseline Skin Tracker imaging takes approximately 20 minutes, which combines the AI imaging process and a physical exam by a skin cancer expert. During the appointment, you\u2019ll be led through a series of nine body positions to ensure every angle is covered. This complete skin record is stored securely for future comparison. Follow-up imaging takes around 15 minutes. <\/p>\n How much it costs: Baseline SkinTracker imaging is $199, while a skin cancer consultation with a nurse dermoscopist is $159, or $249 with a skin cancer doctor. Subsequent imaging (approximately 12 months later) is $199. SkinTracker patients receive unlimited free spot checks in between appointments. <\/p>\n Available from: Skin Institute clinics are located in Albany, Remuera, Richmond, and Queenstown. See Skininstitute.co.nz<\/a> for more information or to find your nearest clinic. <\/p>\n Dermascopy at Espy Skin <\/p>\n How it works: Espy Skin founder Katy Doherty has more than 20 years\u2019 experience as a registered nurse, and just shy of a decade in dermoscopy and skin cancer surveillance. <\/p>\n Doherty is adept at detecting the many forms of skin cancer and precancerous growths, including actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need a referral to visit her clinic in Auckland\u2019s Takapuna. There, Doherty uses the latest dermoscopy technology to conduct a full-body skin check. This hand-held magnifying lens and lighting system allows for a closer look at skin structures and patterns, which Doherty uses over a patient\u2019s body from a sitting or lying position.<\/p>\n Clinical and dermoscopic images of any lesions of clinical concern are taken for surveillance or surgical or non-surgical treatment, and Doherty works with a network of skin cancer GPs for direct referral if required. <\/p>\n While her pricing is considerably lower than others on this list, Doherty says this aligns with her personal mission to prioritise early detection and prevention of skin cancer. <\/p>\n \u201cI believe full body skin checks should be affordable and thus more accessible for people – cost should not be a barrier to having your skin checked,\u201d Dohertysays on her website. <\/p>\n How long it takes: 30 to 45 minutes for a full-body skin check. <\/p>\n Available from: Espy Skin, Level 2, BDO Building, 19 Como St, Takapuna. Espyskin.co.nz<\/a>. <\/p>\n Dermascopy is one of the most popular methods of manual skin checks, and is also available from multiple clinics across the country, including Skinspect, Skintel, Skinsite and more nationwide. <\/p>\n MoleMap<\/p>\n How it works: MoleMap operates more than 50 dedicated clinics and partner clinics throughout New Zealand, offering comprehensive skin cancer checks, including full-body mole mapping, spot checks and specialised melanoma detection. <\/p>\n MoleMap uses a network of trained melanographers and dermatologists to conduct its three in-house services, known as a Full Body MoleMap, SkinCheck+ and SkinCheck. <\/p>\n All three services include AI-assisted diagnostic technology, helping to recognise if a mole or lesion has changed and requires treatment. <\/p>\n A Full Body MoleMap is recommended for those with a high number of moles, previous sun damage, or a family or personal history of skin cancer. An experienced melanographer performs a thorough skin check using a dermoscope, checking everywhere from your scalp to the soles of your feet (even between toes). The service also includes a set of up to 28 reference images that serve as a baseline to track and monitor new or existing moles. Proactive monitoring of potentially high-risk moles are catalogued and reimaged at every appointment. <\/p>\n SkinCheck+ is for those with a small number of moles, but still want a full body record. The service is much the same as a Full Body MoleMap, minus the proactive monitoring and lesion catalogue that offer a side-by-side comparison of changes. <\/p>\n SkinCheck is still a comprehensive full-body skin check using a dermoscope, but without the full-body photography or proactive lesion monitoring. <\/p>\n How long it takes: A Full Body MoleMap takes 50 minutes, SkinCheck+ and SkinCheck take 20 minutes.<\/p>\n How much it costs: A Full Body MoleMap is $399, with an annual follow-up between $339\u2013$425 (based on lesion count). SkinCheck+ is priced at $279, while SkinCheck is $229. <\/p>\nPhoto \/ Skin Institute<\/p>\n
Photo \/ Skin Institute<\/p>\n
Photo \/ MoleMap NZ<\/p>\n