Skin cancer warning while you enjoy this Australia Day

Ahead of the hot conditions this long weekend, health officials are sending a timely reminder to South Australians to stay protected from the sun, check their skin regularly and see their GP if they notice any changes.

Noticeable changes in the skin can be a sign of skin cancer, and two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70.

To help GPS detect skin cancer early, Malinauskas Government and Cancer Council SA are funding 330 dermatoscope practices across the state.

A dermatoscope is a special microscope of the skin that allows the doctor to see spots on the skin better. The 330 devices are being funded through an innovative grant program to support early detection of skin cancer.

More than 550 GPs across the state have completed the Australian College of Dermatologists training program. It educates GPS by using a dermatoscope to examine and diagnose skin lesions such as melanoma.

This will improve early detection of skin cancer, saving more lives and fewer unnecessary procedures.

To protect themselves, South Australians are advised to use a combination of sunscreen measurements.

• Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• SPF50+, broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen slop. Put it in for 20 minutes before going outdoors and then every two hours.
• Tap hat – wide brim to protect face, head, neck and ears.
• Look for shade.
• Slide on some sunglasses.

It's then important to regularly check for new spots or changes in your freckles or moles, and to see your GP if you notice any changes.

Although it is not the only way skin cancer is detected, it significantly improves the view of the skin and can help diagnose skin conditions such as melanoma more effectively than a single check.

Approximately 40% of registered GPs are from regional, rural and remote areas. Otherwise, people have to travel long distances for skin checks.

Dermatoscopy is provided to GPS, with criteria that demonstrate greatest need and consider aspects such as industry, socio-economic status, and melanoma prevalence.

In 2021, 831 South Australians were diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It is the third most common cancer in young people aged 15 to 44 and the fourth most common cancer in people aged 45 to 64.

The State Government, through Preventive Health SA, is funding several projects to help prevent skin cancer.

This includes a social marketing campaign delivered by Cancer Council SA that will be launched next month across radio, television, social media and outdoor advertising.

The campaign is aimed at men aged 40-59, who are one of the target groups as part of the State Government's skin cancer partnership between Preventive Health SA and Cancer Council SA.

Another initiative is Project Checkmate. This is to train University of South Australia training community nurses to carry out AI-assisted skin checks at regional field days, festivals and events.

More information about GP training is available on the Dermatology Australia website https://www.dermatologyaustralasia.com.au/certificate-of-practical-dermoscopy>.

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attributed to chris picton

Australia Day seems like the perfect time to go to the beach, but it's important to stay protected from the sun so you don't pay for it later in life.

Don't forget to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide to protect yourself from skin cancer.

If you notice any changes in your skin, don't munch. Early detection is key. Go and see your GP and it will be checked.

Providing GPS dermatoscope access across South Australia means more people can access potentially life-saving skin checks closer to home.

Early detection has the biggest impact on reducing the number of South Australians lost to skin cancer.

This is part of the State Government's commitment to providing a vital service that helps identify cancer in its early stages, when treatment is less invasive and offers the best chance of a full recovery.

Attributed to Marina Bowshall CEO Preventive Health SA

This training increases the skills and tools available to GPS for early detection of skin cancer.

No matter where you live in South Australia, it's a good idea to check your skin regularly and see your GP if you notice any changes.

Attributed to Christine Morris, Prevention and Advocacy Manager, Cancer Council SA

The earlier skin cancer is identified, the more likely it is that treatment and survival will be successful.

Our partnership with the State Government and Preventive Health SA will help provide access to vital skin checks, increase early detection of skin cancer and save lives in South Australia.