Summer is coming! Get a FREE skin cancer check and sun safety pack on campus
Did you know Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world? Sadly called our ‘national cancer’, approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime and around 2000 die from the disease each year.
Thankfully, the good news is that skin cancer is mostly preventable. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to have regular skin cancer screening to help identify features of specific melanomas, non-melanoma skin cancers or sunspots (solar keratosis) – and this coming National Skin Cancer Action Week (17–23 November) we’re encouraging you to do just that!
If you’re wondering if you need skin cancer screening, remember it’s not just something that happens to older people or those with fair skin – Lana was only 25 when she was diagnosed with melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer).
Regardless of your age or skin type, the unfortunate downside of Australia’s balmy summer climate is we are highly susceptible to dangerous levels of UV radiation – your skin can burn in the Aussie sun in just 15 minutes, meaning that any time you spend outdoors and away from shaded areas can pose a risk.
Get your free skin cancer check between class!
In partnership with our health and care partner Bupa, we are running free and confidential 15-minute on-site skin cancer checks for students at our Deakin Medical Centres (DMC) at the Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses. These will be offered in Week 3 (18–22 November) and Week 4 (25–29 November), the perfect time to get checked as we head into summer and you’ll save on any out-of-pocket costs you might incur elsewhere.
Experienced Dermatoscopists use a dermatoscope (a specialised hand-held skin instrument which has x 12 magnification) to examine areas exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. This is a level 2 skin cancer check, and while removal of clothing is not necessary, you may choose to undress (underwear left on) and place on a disposable gown. You will receive a results card with a skin cancer risk assessment tool and additional sun safety information. If you require further medical attention, you’ll be given a detailed recommendation letter.
All students who have a skin cancer check will also receive a bonus sun safety pack containing sunscreen, lip care, a sundictator (helps you to track your time in the sun), a skin cancer awareness card and a sun safety factsheet.
Burwood Campus
When: Wednesday 20–Friday 22 and Monday 25–Tuesday 26 November, 9.30am–4.15pm
Where: Health and Wellbeing Centre, Level 1, Room LC1.220, Building LC, Elgar Road
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Waurn Ponds Campus
When: Friday 22, Monday 25, and Tuesday 26 November, 9.30am–4.15pm
Where: Health and Wellbeing Centre, Building JB, Level 2, Room 2.401
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If you’re located at Waterfront Campus or around Geelong, remember you can easily travel between these campuses via the intercampus bus.
While a skin cancer check clinic will not be offered at Warrnambool this November, you can see a Deakin nurse for information and general advice about how to keep your skin healthy.
In between appointments, you should also be aware of your skin and any changing or new moles that appear. If you notice anything unusual, painful or different, see your doctor straight away.
Other ways to protect your skin
Monitor the UV Index, which tells you when you’re most at risk – usually in the middle of the day. A UV Index of 3 or above means you’re at risk of sun damage. You should also download the SunSmart app for information on when you need to wear sun protection, stay inside or in the shade.
Follow the five ‘s’‑words every day to keep your skin protected:
- Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on SPF 50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterwards.
- Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.
It helps to know the facts. There’s plenty of myths about sun protection – such as the belief that you can’t develop skin cancer if you have olive skin or you won’t get burnt on a cloudy day. Educate yourself by visiting the Cancer Council website for a range of helpful information and resources on sun safety.
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