This summer, the Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) is bringing free skin checks back to the local community.

Launched in 2020, Spot Check has provided more than 700 free skin checks to local community members and the Surf Life Saving community. Of these 723 skin checks, 36 were suspected melanomas and eight confirmed melanomas.

HMF’s Executive Officer, Claudia Tolhurst said the Spot Check campaign is set to save more lives this year.

“We all know that early intervention of melanoma is extremely important, and through Spot Check the local community have the opportunity to take accountability of their own skin through a free skin check,” Claudia said.

“Skin checks save lives.”

The pop-up skin check stations will run over two days at Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club. Due to high demand, people are encouraged to book their skin check in advance online. Walk-ins will be accepted if the clinics are not booked out in advance.

“This will be the first Spot Check taking place during the 2022/23 summer,” Claudia said.

“It will also mark the beginning of National Skin Cancer Action Week, which is a week-long activation, educating Australians of the importance of early detection and prevention of melanoma and other skin cancers.”

Local doctors will conduct a full skin check examination using unique and specialised skin check software free of charge. People presenting with suspect spots will be referred by the medical team for further inspection with a support system for the individual put in place.

Australia is known for being the skin cancer capital of the world and as we enter the summer season, there is no better time for the local community to take control of their sun safety and skin checking behaviour.

The Spot Check campaign has been made possible through the support of Newcastle Skin Check and the Wests Group through NSW Club Grants.

IMAGE | State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP at last year’s Spot Check.