Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Every year in Australia skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.

Around 2000 people die from this disease every year.  However, more than 95% of skin cancer cases are caused by unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun, meaning it is a nearly entirely preventable cancer.   

“To help raise awareness and support the health of our people, the MMG Dugald River team have organised free skin cancer checks for our employees,” said Martin Brownlee, SHEC Superintendent.

“We recognise that the fly-in-fly-out lifestyle often makes it hard for our people to make the time for annual health checks, so this is a small thing we can offer to our staff”.

Over 100 employees were seen by the clinic on site and more than 25% of those people have been advised to seek further follow-up. The majority of people imaged had not received a skin cancer check in over twelve months.