Free skin checks for over-50s will be available at the Canterbury Charity Hospital on Saturday, 5 October 2024, as part of an ongoing effort to combat New Zealand’s high melanoma death rate.

New Zealand has the highest melanoma death rate in the world, with approximately 100,000 Kiwis diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates.

This Skin Check Day aims to identify skin cancers early, providing free checks for low-income adults aged 50 and over.

The event will be staffed by volunteer health professionals who will offer their expertise free of charge.

Previous events have successfully detected several serious cancers, enabling participants to receive timely treatment.

“People will be examined from head to toe, and any concerning lesions will be notified to their registered general practitioner for further investigation or treatment,” said Sandra Hammond, a senior nurse specialist at the Charity Hospital.

The Southern Cancer Society is supporting the event. “Research shows that minimising exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) and detecting skin cancer early, before it can spread, are the most effective ways to reduce its incidence and impact,” said Amanda Dodd, cancer prevention and research lead at the Southern Cancer Society.

Those eligible and interested in the free skin checks can register online by visiting the Canterbury Charity Hospital’s website.

Appointments will be held at the hospital’s Harewood Road site.

To register and take advantage of this offer for patients aged 50 and over, click on the link to Skin Check Day at www.charityhospital.org.nz. Appointments will be at the hospital’s Harewood Road site. Anyone wanting more information can email [email protected].