DETECTING skin cancers is not always a simple process and many people suffer unnecessarily as a result.
25 years ago the Lions organisation in Western Australia not only funded the starting up of a mobile skin cancer screening van but also ensured the trained staff took the van to remote communities and regional areas on a regular basis.
People living in and around the Boyanup area are being given the opportunity to attend a screening when the Lions Cancer Institute’s van will be in town on Saturday August 8.
State chairman Colin Beauchamp said he can’t stress enough the importance of regular checkups of the whole body.
“We see people with everything from dry, itchy spots resulting from childhood sunbaking through to cancerous moles concealed on the soles of feet,” he said. “If you know anyone who has five or more moles on their forearm, they will need checking out.”
The screening clinic is being organised and run by the Boyanup Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) who some time ago donated funds for the provision of a new generator for the updated screening van.
Branch President Isla Lord said she is delighted the van is returning to Boyanup to give locals the opportunity to utilise the services offered.
“We are setting up at the Jack and Mary Kitchen community centre from 9am and plan to offer refreshments throughout the day,” she said.
To book a time slot for a screening, it is necessary to answer a few simple questions to ensure eligibility. Email for more information .