ASCF representatives and ambassadors join survivors and family and friends of those impacted by melanoma at the launch of the truck this month. Photo: ASCF.
The Illawarra community will have access to high-tech free skin checks for one day only as an innovative mobile clinic which could be crucial for detecting deadly melanoma heads to the region.
A new state-of-the-art truck equipped with lifesaving skin cancer detection technology is en route to Wollongong, helping screen and educate residents about skin cancer as the weather warms up.
The clinic offers advanced 3D imaging and AI analysis to capture the entire skin surface in just seconds, with the total body imaging system, which uses 46 stereo vision pods with 92 cameras, developed by Canfield Scientific, helping clinicians detect suspicious lesions without radiation exposure.
“This is the same technology used in leading dermatology centres around the world,” Canfield Scientific Australia’s Matthew Wolf said.
“Thanks to Westfund’s donation of the machine, it’s now mobile, allowing Australians in regional and rural communities to access world-class screening that would otherwise be out of reach.”
Biopsies can also be conducted onsite if required, making it a one-stop-shop for screening, detection and intervention.
The initiative by the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation (ASCF) hopes to break down barriers to people getting their skin checked, particularly in areas that have limited access to specialists.
“One Australian dies from melanoma every six hours,” ASCF CEO Jay Allen said.
“Early detection saves lives, and this mobile clinic allows us to reach Australians who would otherwise miss out on potentially lifesaving screening.”
“I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly skin cancer can appear and the importance of catching it early,” ASCF ambassador and former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke said.
“The ASCF Mobile Clinic enables us to reach people who might not otherwise get checked, especially in regional areas.”
ASCF has already delivered more than 13,600 free skin checks since it launched its first mobile truck in 2023, identifying 166 suspected melanomas and more than 5000 non-melanoma skin cancers.
The new truck hopes to build on that success offering up to 75 full-body skin checks every day as it travels the country, with Wollongong one of the first stops.
The clinic will come for a day of free skin checks on Tuesday 9 December, from 8 am to 4 pm at WIN Stadium’s Gate C Carpark in Harbour Street, opposite Sage Hotel.
There is no fee and no booking required.
As well as screening, the program aims to educate to ensure the community is being sun safe and checking their own skin in between regular professional screening appointments.
For more information on the program, self-checks and services available, visit the ASCF website.
