Highlight news
16 – 22 November – National Skin Cancer Action Week
This National Skin Cancer Action Week (16–22 November), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is highlighting the critical role Rural Generalists play in delivering local diagnosis and treatment where specialist access is often limited.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Rural Generalists are often the first – and sometimes the only – doctors available to detect and treat skin cancer in rural, remote, and First Nation communities.
“RG’s combination of procedural skills, community trust, and continuity of care makes them indispensable to improving outcomes in this and so many other areas,” Dr Martin says.
Australians living in rural and remote areas experience skin cancer rates and melanoma mortality around 20–30 per cent higher than in major cities, driven by greater sun exposure over a lifetime with more outdoor work and recreation. This is more complex due to limited access to sub-specialist care.
“Rural Generalists provide comprehensive primary care, including skin checks, biopsies and surgical excisions, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment close to home.
“They also utilise tools such as ACRRM’s Tele-Derm service to consult directly with dermatologists for specialist dermatologist and plastic surgical advice, improving access and reducing delays for patients in isolated areas.
“Early detection saves lives,” Dr Martin says.
“By supporting Rural Generalists through advanced training, diagnostic tools, and telehealth connectivity, we can reduce the skin-cancer burden across rural and remote Australia.
“National Skin Cancer Action Week reminds us that Rural Generalists are not just the first line of defence – they’re often the only line,” Dr Martin says.
Facts
- Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world
- Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
- Rural Generalists perform a large share of rural skin-cancer surgeries, cutting down travel and wait times.
All news
16 – 22 November – National Skin Cancer Action Week
This National Skin Cancer Action Week (16–22 November), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is highlighting the critical role Rural Generalists play in delivering local diagnosis and treatment where specialist access is often limited.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Rural Generalists are often the first – and sometimes the only – doctors available to detect and treat skin cancer in rural, remote, and First Nation communities.
“RG’s combination of procedural skills, community trust, and continuity of care makes them indispensable to improving outcomes in this and so many other areas,” Dr Martin says.
Australians living in rural and remote areas experience skin cancer rates and melanoma mortality around 20–30 per cent higher than in major cities, driven by greater sun exposure over a lifetime with more outdoor work and recreation. This is more complex due to limited access to sub-specialist care.
“Rural Generalists provide comprehensive primary care, including skin checks, biopsies and surgical excisions, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment close to home.
“They also utilise tools such as ACRRM’s Tele-Derm service to consult directly with dermatologists for specialist dermatologist and plastic surgical advice, improving access and reducing delays for patients in isolated areas.
“Early detection saves lives,” Dr Martin says.
“By supporting Rural Generalists through advanced training, diagnostic tools, and telehealth connectivity, we can reduce the skin-cancer burden across rural and remote Australia.
“National Skin Cancer Action Week reminds us that Rural Generalists are not just the first line of defence – they’re often the only line,” Dr Martin says.
Facts
- Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world
- Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
- Rural Generalists perform a large share of rural skin-cancer surgeries, cutting down travel and wait times.