Community
15 August, 2024
Community invited for a free skin check
THE community has been urged to prioritise its health when the Terang and District Lions Club hosts the Mobile Skin Check and Awareness Unit next month.
The unit will visit Terang on Saturday, September 7 from 9am through to Sunday, September 8 at 4pm, to provide free checks for members of the community.
The mobile facilities are operated by accredited, trained professional dermoscopists and other qualified personnel to ensure members of rural and remote areas have access to the first-class service.
The program is delivered in collaboration with the Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation, which started as a charitable organisation supporting regional areas and assisting with cancer research.
Among the volunteer dermoscopists will be Maureen Noonan, who not only played a vital role in bringing the unit to Terang but has also checked well over 1000 people during her years volunteering with the program.
“Our skin is the biggest organ of the human body, and you only need one cell to go pear-shaped to be in trouble,” she said.
“But if you can identify an issue in the early stages you have the best chance to make a full recovery.
“We can’t diagnose but we do a lot of referrals, mark areas of concern, and it’s all confidential and respectful.
“We all need to be aware of our skin – even if it’s something small, the best thing you can do is get it checked.”
While the sunshine-soaked shores of Australia and love of the great outdoors are part of the idyllic lifestyle which draws tourists from around the world, the nation is also home to among the highest rates of skin cancer.
Rural and regional areas are considered among the highest risk for skin cancers due to increased exposure to ultra violet radiation stemming from a higher proportion of outdoor workers, less accessibility to dermatologists and poor approaches to sun protection.
Terang Lions Club member Wayne Saunders said bookings for the local skin checks were quickly filling up, and encouraged everyone to get in fast.
“On the Sunday we’re already three quarters booked, and on the Saturday, it is already a little over half way booked,” he said.
“We’re asking people to book quickly to avoid missing out.
“Walk-ins will be accepted on the day but it is best to book in.”
Mr Saunders said the lions were proud to bring the free initiative to town, saying he knew how important it was to maintain regular skin checks.
“I’m 70, and I’ve had four or five moles burnt out and one cut out – if it wasn’t picked up early, it could have been bad,” he said.
“This process picks it up early.
“This is such a great opportunity because it’s all free, it’s all voluntary.”
The unit will be located at the public car park between the Terang Civic Centre and Wheatsheaf Hotel on High Street.
To book contact Mr Saunders on 0412 682 586 or email janet_sa@bigpond.net.au.
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