Handheld skin microscopes and training will be rolled out to Victorian GPs from October to help find skin cancer early. This is particularly valuable to people living in regional areas where there is a lack of dermatologists.
This program is only possible due to the incredible $200,000 raised by participants of Cancer Council’s The Longest Day golf challenge. Held each year in December, the event challenges players to complete 72 holes of golf between dawn and dusk on a single day to raise life-saving funds.
Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper said the program was an important part of Cancer Council’s goal to prevent cancer.
“Doctors who have dermatoscopes and proper training will find more melanomas at an earlier stage with fewer unnecessary procedures,” he said. “Regional Victorians can access resources when they need it, without invasive treatment or the need to travel to metropolitan hospitals.”
Found a suspicious spot?
Visit your doctor. For general information and support contact Cancer Council’s experienced cancer nurses on 13 11 20 or visit SunSmart