October 25th 2024.
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, but unfortunately, it also holds the title for having the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. It's a sobering thought that two out of three people living in Australia will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. And out of all types of skin cancer, melanoma remains the most common cancer diagnosed in the country.
Last year alone, over 18,000 people were diagnosed with melanoma in Australia. This alarming number has prompted the government to take action and invest more than $10 million towards early detection of skin cancer. The goal is to improve the nation's capabilities in identifying and treating this deadly disease.
The NSW Government has announced that the funding will bring together experts in the cancer sector to develop a national targeted skin cancer screening roadmap. This will enable faster and more efficient detection of skin cancer, potentially saving many lives. Health Minister Mark Butler shared, "Skin cancer is our national cancer, but it's also one of the most preventable. As we head into summer, we should all remind ourselves to do the Five S's – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide."
The efforts of pioneers in the field, such as Australians of the Year, Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO, have made significant breakthroughs in skin cancer treatment in recent years. Their contributions have paved the way for this much-needed investment in early detection.
The screening program will be led by Professors Long and Scolyer from the Melanoma Institute Australia. Professor Long expressed, "This is a major first step forward in the establishment of this key program, as we fight to beat Australia's national cancer." She emphasized the importance of prevention over cure and welcomed the increased investment in this area. Professor Scolyer also added, "Prevention is better than a cure, and the more investment in this area, the better from our perspective."
With this significant investment, Australia is taking a crucial step towards combating skin cancer and saving lives. As we enjoy the beautiful Australian summer, let us all remember to take the necessary precautions and prioritize our health by following the Five S's.
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