Australian Nurses Lead Innovative Approach to Combating Skin Cancer Crisis

Australia faces a critical challenge with the highest melanoma rates worldwide, with two out of three individuals diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70. In response, a groundbreaking nurse-led model has been developed to enhance early detection and treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives.

A recent discussion paper by researchers from the University of South Australia, published in the nursing journal Collegian, highlights this innovative approach. Launched in February 2023, the model involves training primary care nurses in dermoscopy—a specialized technique for examining skin lesions—and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) software to identify suspicious conditions. This program has been actively implemented across 13 regional and rural mobile clinics in South Australia, demonstrating significant success.

Since its inception, over 1,200 individuals have undergone screening, resulting in the identification of numerous suspicious lesions, including 96 suspected melanoma cases. The findings show that nurses equipped with dermoscopy skills and AI tools can reliably detect potentially malignant skin cancers early, receiving widespread acceptance from the community.

Dr. Kim Gibson, the lead author, emphasizes that the current dependence on opportunistic check-ups led by general practitioners leaves substantial gaps in healthcare, especially for rural populations. These communities often face barriers like GP shortages, long wait times, and high costs, limiting access to dermatologists. By empowering nurses—who constitute the largest health workforce in regional areas—in skin cancer detection, the program aims to bridge this gap and improve health outcomes.

Currently, 51 nurses have received training, with plans to educate 600 primary care nurses nationwide. With further training, nurse practitioners could perform biopsies and excisions, further alleviating pressure on overwhelmed medical services.

Professor Marion Eckert, RBRC Director and co-author, notes that rural Australians, often outdoor workers, are disproportionately affected by melanoma and tend to have worse outcomes. This model directly addresses these disparities by bringing advanced skin cancer detection capabilities into community settings.

Australia is also developing a National Targeted Skin Cancer Screening Program focusing on high-risk groups, including those in rural and regional areas. Experts advocate integrating nurses into this national initiative, arguing that nurse-led screening models are already proving effective in other areas such as breast cancer, and are a natural progression for skin cancer care.

This innovative strategy aligns with Australia’s urgency to improve skin cancer outcomes through accessible, cost-effective, and community-centered care, ultimately aiming to reduce the high mortality rate associated with skin cancer.