Residents in Christchurch and Rolleston will have the opportunity to receive free skin cancer spot checks next month, as Melanoma New Zealand’s Nurse Educator visits two locations in the city.
The five-minute, non-invasive checks will be available at:
• Te Ara Atea Rolleston Library – Monday, March 10 from 9am to midday at 56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston.
• Parklands Library – Monday, March 17 from 11:30am to 2:30pm at 46 Queenspark Drive, Parklands.
Melanoma New Zealand Chief Executive Andrea Newland said the initiative was vital in detecting suspicious skin lesions and raising awareness about New Zealand’s deadliest cancer.
“I am delighted we’re bringing our free spot checks to the Parklands and Rolleston communities, and I encourage people to come along and make the most of this opportunity,” Newland said.
“Since launching the service five years ago, we’ve performed almost 20,000 checks and detected more than 1,900 suspicious lesions, including nearly 600 suspected melanomas, so it’s critical in our fight to save lives.”
How the checks work
The Nurse Educator will examine up to three spots per person in a private consultation space. However, this is not a full-body check and no diagnosis is provided. Regular full-body skin checks by a GP, dermatologist, or surgeon are still recommended.
No appointment is necessary, but checks will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those unable to be seen on the day can book an online consultation with a Melanoma New Zealand Nurse Educator at www.melanoma.org.nz.
New Zealand’s melanoma crisis
New Zealand has the highest melanoma mortality rate in the world, with more than 7,000 cases diagnosed annually and around 300 deaths each year. More people die from skin cancer than on New Zealand’s roads.
However, melanoma is highly treatable if caught early, making regular skin checks crucial.
The free spot check service is made possible through the support of La Roche-Posay, a proud sun-safe partner of Melanoma New Zealand.
Anyone wishing to support Melanoma New Zealand can donate at www.melanoma.org.nz/donate or call 0800 463 526.
