Tomorrow, the Skin Cancer College of Australasia (SCCA), will join a range of for-purpose organisations and key stakeholders to host the inaugural Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Parliamentary Event at the New Zealand Parliament.

Held from 8:30am – 4:00pm in the halls of the Beehive (Te Whare Mīere), this event willshine a light on the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection, as well as offering practical policy solutions to improve health outcomes across Aotearoa NewZealand.

Each year around 97,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with skin cancer, with the country having one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Early detection cansignificantly improve survival rates for New Zealanders, in addition to reducing pressure onthe nation’s healthcare system.

Leading by example, SCCA are hosting three Accredited Skin Cancer Doctors to provide complimentary 15-minute skin checks for Members of Parliament and their staff.The program features practical policy presentations and solutions from leading for-purpose organisations, followed by a firsthand patient story that speaks to the physical andpsychological toll of a skin cancer diagnosis.

Otago based GP and skin cancer expert Dr Dirk Venter, who will be carrying out skinchecks at the event, spoke on the need for personal vigilance to detect lesions of concernearly.

“As we head into the start of a long hot summer in New Zealand, it is a perfect reminderthat protecting and checking your skin regularly is the best defence against skin cancer. Ifyou notice changes in your skin then you should urgently seek medical advice, as catchingskin cancer early could just save your life”, said Dr Venter.

Parliamentarians, including the Minister of Health the Hon Simeon Brown and Shadow Spokesperson for Associate Health the Hon Peeni Henare, as well as Mr ToddStephenson MP and Mr Sam Uffindell MP will join in this policy discussion.

Organiser of the event and CEO of SCCA, Victoria Beedle, has emphasised her gratitudetowards the New Zealand Parliament and industry stakeholders for supporting the need forchange.

“Skin cancer rates in New Zealand are the joint highest in the world, which imposes asignificant burden on the nation’s economy and health system. Skin cancer is a criticalhealth issue in New Zealand and something that we need to work collaboratively to solve.”

A range of for-purpose organisations in the New Zealand skin cancer space are also participating in the event.

Parallel to the event, the Skin Cancer College Australasia will publish a perspective paper, Primary Care: Unlocking the potential of Aotearoa New Zealand’s skin cancerclinicians. This document speaks to the future possibilities that GPs and allied healthprofessionals can play in skin cancer treatment, and aligns with the broader goals of theaforementioned Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024-2028.

About Skin Cancer College Australasia

The Skin Cancer College Australasia provides a strong and collective voice to skincancer medicine practitioners across Australia and New Zealand. We lead educationexcellence in the Trans-Tasman region. We aim to ensure high quality, equitable accessto the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of skin cancer to patients andcommunities across Australia and New Zealand.

https://www.skincancercollege.org/about-us/

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