CLINICS identifying potential skin cancers are being offered across the Far West Region by the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service.
Chief medical officer of the RFDS South Eastern Section, Dr Shannon Nott, said that melanoma is expected to be on the most common cancers in the region this year.
“It’s a galvanising statistic and an important reminder of the importance of regular skin checks,” he said.
“Without a doubt, skin checks are one of the most effective ways to diagnose skin cancer.”
Thanks to a donation from fundraising cycling group the Silver City Bush Treadlers, the RFDS recently purchased three new skin cancer detecting tools called dermatoscopes, and held their first specific skin clinics.
“Throughout the year, we hold normal clinics where out skilled clinical teams conduct routine skin checks across Far West and Western NSW,” Dr Nott said.
“But as of April 2025, our clinical team are armed with enhanced equipment to help make detection even easier.”
Dermatoscopes are handheld magnifying decides that can help medical professionals detect potentially cancerous lesions that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Dr Nott said two of the devices will be used for work in remote communities, and one for the Clive Bishop Medical Centre in Broken Hill.
“An earlier skin cancer diagnosis often results in greater treatment options and, ultimately, a better chance of survival. As many of our patients live, work and play in extremely high-UV areas, they may be at a greater risk of skin cancer,” Dr Nott said.
“Across the clinics in White Cliffs, Ivanhoe, Tibooburra and Tilpa, our clinical team have already seen over 60 patients.
“We identified numerous precancerous lesions, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, as well as melanomas, that we may not have found otherwise.
“If you haven’t had a skin check recently or you’ve noticed anything unusual, book a screening with your local GP or skin clinic today. Screening saves lives.”
