Australia has the highest levels of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed in their life time.
Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV radiation is the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancers such as Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Melanoma is no different to any other form of skin cancer and it is the fourth most- common form of cancer in Australia.
UV radiation is a significant cause of Melanoma. However, it may develop anywhere on the body and very often in a mole that has been present for many years.
Educating workers on the international A, B, C, D, E of Melanoma detection has positive and personal “early detection” benefits which flow through to their families.
As mine workers are in a high risk category for sun damage and skin cancer, an appointment with a doctor for a skin check-up every 12–18 months is recommended.
Skin Patrol was founded in 2004 to increase awareness around the early detection of skin cancer in order to minimise the risks of skin cancer-related deaths and to enable corporations to generate positive employee goodwill with their staff by providing a private and confidential medical service on site.