A Wonthaggi man who faced the prospect of death due to severe skin cancer is urging the community to join an innovative trial at Bass Coast Health (BCH) that could save lives.
Paul Kennedy battled melanomas that threatened his life, with one appearing on his big toe despite rarely wearing thongs and working night shift for more than 30 years, limiting his exposure to the sun. His doctor believes his melanomas were caused by a genetic predisposition.
“When I received the news that the skin cancer was malignant, I thought ‘That’s it. At my age I’m done’,” he said.
“I had six surgeries and spent nearly 12 months off work while I recovered.”
Paul has since joined a trial that collects data about the incidence of melanomas in Australia. His body has been scanned for melanomas and skin spots using the latest technology in skin imaging, the Vectra machine.
Under a new trial run by the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID), Wonthaggi Hospital is fortunate to be one of 15 sites in Australia to receive a Vectra machine funded by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).
The 3D imaging system uses 92 digital cameras to take simultaneous photos of a person. The cameras photograph skin spots and moles in high-resolution detail. The system then stitches these images together to create a 3D avatar model of the patient that is assessed by the clinical research team.
Using the 3D imaging system, the clinical research team is able to photograph and digitally document a patient’s skin spots and moles over the course of the study, and can refer to images from previous visits to assess if changes have occurred.
BCH is now seeking participants to take part in the ACEMID trial and Paul is urging the community to do so.
“It’s in your best interest to be aware of what’s on your skin. It could not only save your life, but also rather than a doctor cutting out a skin spot they may be able to just monitor it safely,” he said.
Melanomas can be caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun as well as be hereditary.
“We were selected to be part of this impressive trial because we have such a high rate of skin cancer in Bass Coast and South Gippsland because we love the beach and we are also a farming community,” BCH CEO Jan Child said.
“By being part of this trial, you’ll not only help scientists to gather data about the prevalence of melanoma, but also help researchers develop systems and technology to improve early diagnosis and outcomes for people living in regional areas.”
BCH is now seeking expressions of interest from people willing to be part of the ACEMID trial early in the new year. You’ll be photographed and assessed for suspect skin cancers. To lodge your expression of interest, email vmtrials@basscoasthealth.org.au
“To reduce your risk of skin cancer, please wear long clothing, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses when outside, seek shade and try to avoid the sun in the middle of the day when ultraviolet radiation is more severe,” Ms Child said.