10 November 2025

Protect your future with a FREE skin cancer check on-campus!

Did you know Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world? Around two in three Australians will be diagnosed in their lifetime – but the good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented with a little awareness and care.

Week 3 is National Skin Cancer Action Week (17–23 November), and we’re making it easy for you to take charge of your skin health. In partnership with our health and care partner Bupa, Deakin is offering free and confidential 15-minute skin checks for students at our Burwood and Waurn Ponds Health and Wellbeing Centres.

👉 Book your free skin cancer check now and you’ll also receive a free sun safety pack filled with handy summer essentials!

Why your skin deserves protecting

Skin cancer doesn’t just affect older people or those with fair skin. The truth is, UV radiation can damage anyone’s skin – and in Australia, the sun can be harsh. Your skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes, even on cloudy days.

That’s why it’s important to make skin checks a regular habit. Lana was only 25 when she was diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Her story is a reminder that early detection and simple prevention can make all the difference.

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 we’re encouraging you to do just that!

What to expect at your appointment (and where to go)

Your free skin cancer check is a quick and confidential 15-minute appointment with an experienced Bupa Dermatoscopist – a trained professional who uses a dermatoscope (a small hand-held instrument with 12x magnification) to examine areas of skin that are most exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

This is a level 2 skin cancer check, meaning you won’t need to remove any clothing unless you choose to. If you’d prefer a full-body check, you can undress to your underwear and wear a disposable gown provided for privacy and comfort.

At the end of your appointment, you’ll receive:

• A results card outlining your skin cancer risk assessment

• Information about any sunspots (solar keratosis), non-melanoma skin cancers, or other findings

• Practical sun safety advice and resources

If any further medical attention is recommended, you’ll receive a letter so you can follow up with your doctor or healthcare provider.

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.

Here’s when and where you can book your free check:

Burwood Campus
Monday 17, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 November
9.30am–4.15pm
Health and Wellbeing Centre, Level 1, Room LC1.220, Building LC, Elgar Road
👉 Book your free skin check

Waurn Ponds Campus
Monday 17, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 November
9.30am–4.15pm
Health and Wellbeing Centre, Building JB, Level 2, Room 2.401
👉 Book your free skin check

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 on campus at Warrnambool for information and general advice about how to keep your skin healthy.

Stay safe in the sun

Even when you’re not getting checked, there’s plenty you can do to look after your skin. Keep an eye out for any new or changing spots and see your doctor if you notice anything unusual, painful or different.

And remember the five S’s whenever you’re outdoors:

• Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

• Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen every two hours.

• Slap on a wide-brim or legionnaire-style hat.

• Seek shade whenever you can.

• Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards.

You can also download the SunSmart app to track the daily UV index and know exactly when you need protection.

Want to learn more?

It helps to know the facts. There are plenty of myths about sun protection – like thinking you can’t get skin cancer if you have olive-toned skin, or that you won’t burn on a cloudy day.

Get informed by visiting the Cancer Council website for helpful, evidence-based information and resources on sun safety.