Ahead of the Australia Day long weekend, South Australian health authorities are urging residents to take extra precautions against the sun’s harmful rays. With hot conditions expected, people are reminded to protect their skin, regularly check for any changes, and consult a GP if they notice anything unusual.
Skin changes may be a warning sign of skin cancer, a condition that affects two in three Australians before the age of 70.
Government and Cancer Council Collaborate to Improve Early Detection
In a bid to support early skin cancer detection, the Malinauskas Government and Cancer Council SA have funded 330 dermatoscopes, specialized microscopes for examining the skin. These devices have been distributed to practices across South Australia to help doctors identify potential skin cancers more effectively.
The funding is part of a program designed to enhance GPs’ ability to detect melanoma and other skin conditions early, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary procedures. Over 550 GPs statewide have completed training from the Australasian College of Dermatologists on how to use dermatoscopes.
Sun Protection Tips for South Australians
Residents are encouraged to take a multi-faceted approach to sun protection, including:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing covering as much skin as possible.
- Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen, applying it 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every two hours.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat to shield the face, head, neck, and ears.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours.
- Slide on sunglasses to protect the eyes.
Additionally, regular skin checks are crucial. People are urged to look for new spots or changes in freckles or moles and seek advice from a GP if any changes are noticed.
Benefits of Dermatoscopes and Access to Care
While dermatoscopes are not the only way to detect skin cancer, they offer a significant advantage by providing a more detailed view of the skin. This tool aids in the early diagnosis of skin conditions, such as melanoma, with greater accuracy.
Around 40% of the GPs enrolled in the dermatoscope program are from rural, regional, and remote areas, ensuring that residents in these locations have easier access to essential skin checks without the need to travel long distances.
State Government Initiatives to Combat Skin Cancer
In 2021, 831 South Australians were diagnosed with melanoma, the third most common cancer in younger people aged 15-44. The State Government, through Preventive Health SA, is funding various projects aimed at preventing skin cancer and raising awareness.
Next month, the Cancer Council SA will launch the “Same Goes for You” campaign, which targets men aged 40-59, a group identified as at higher risk. The campaign will run across radio, TV, social media, and outdoor advertising platforms.
Another initiative, Project Check Mate, involves training regional nurses to conduct AI-assisted skin checks at local events, festivals, and field days.
Health Minister’s Message: Early Detection is Key
Chris Picton, Health Minister for South Australia, emphasized the importance of sun safety, especially during the Australia Day weekend. He urged residents to protect themselves from the sun and to seek immediate medical advice if they notice changes in their skin.
“Early detection is the key to successful treatment,” Picton said. “By providing dermatoscopes to GPs across the state, we are ensuring that more people can access skin checks close to home.”
Collaborating for Better Health Outcomes
Marina Bowshall, Chief Executive of Preventive Health SA, highlighted the initiative’s focus on providing GPs with the skills and tools necessary for early skin cancer detection. This collaboration will not only improve the detection of skin cancers but will also save lives by providing timely access to treatments.
Christine Morris, Prevention and Advocacy Manager at Cancer Council SA, emphasized that early identification of skin cancer leads to better survival rates. She praised the collaboration between the State Government and Preventive Health SA, stating that it would help South Australians receive vital skin checks, increasing the likelihood of early skin cancer detection and better outcomes.
With these ongoing efforts, the South Australian government aims to reduce the burden of skin cancer and improve public health through education, early detection, and increased access to vital healthcare services.
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