- Chris Comans
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Western Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Our climate, outdoor lifestyle, and long hours of sun exposure mean that every West Aussie from coastal communities to inland mining towns face a lifelong risk of developing skin cancer.
Yet many people still go without regular skin checks due to limited access, busy schedules, or living in regional and remote areas where screening services are rare or simply unavailable.
Why Skin ChX Was Created
This is exactly why Skin ChX was created. Skin ChX community skin cancer screening and education programs are designed to help save lives, raise awareness, and reduce the incidence of skin cancer across Western Australia.
Since inception, Skin ChX has detected thousands of skin cancers on everyday West Aussies, many of them discovered during outreach programs in remote and regional areas such as Port Hedland and Esperance.
These early detections have not only prevented countless serious outcomes—they have kept families together, kept workers on the job, and
helped entire communities stay healthy.
Why Community Screening Matters in Western Australia
Western Australia is vast. From the Pilbara to the Goldfields, the distances between towns can be enormous. Many communities have limited or no access to regular skin cancer screening, and wait times for appointments in some regions can stretch months.
Skin ChX fills this gap by travelling the long distances that make WA unique. Our commitment is simple: If you can’t access a skin check, we will bring the skin check to you.
These Community Programs Remove Barriers by Providing:
- Accessible screening for people who may not otherwise prioritise or be able to travel for a skin check
- Early detection of suspicious lesions before they become life-threatening
- Education about sun protection, skin awareness, and the unique risks faced by people living in WA
- Support for local businesses, sporting clubs, councils, and regional workplaces seeking to protect their staff and community members
Whether it’s FIFO workers exposed to harsh Pilbara sun, coastal families spending weekends outdoors, or retirees enjoying WA’s lifestyle, every person benefits from regular skin cancer screening.
Skin ChX: A WA-Born Approach to Prevention
Skin ChX is proudly Western Australian. Our approach is built around the realities of our
state—the climate, the distances, the communities, and the strong sense of looking after one
another.
All Skin ChX checks are conducted by an experienced skin cancer screening practitioner
trained in advanced dermoscopy techniques and dedicated to providing thorough,
professional assessments. We use best-practice screening methods and take the time to
ensure every person understands what their skin is showing and how to keep themselves
protected moving forward.
Community-First Approach Locations:
Unlike traditional medical settings, Skin ChX takes a community-first approach. We run
programs in:
- Port Hedland
- Esperance
- Pilbara work sites
- Regional councils
- Local community centres
- Sporting clubs
- Schools
- Rural towns across WA
Wherever people need us, and whenever we can help reduce the risk of skin cancer, we go.
The Impact: Thousands of Skin Cancers Detected
One of the most powerful aspects of Skin ChX’s community programs is the number of
cancers we’ve identified that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. Many people attending
screenings comment that they had been “meaning to get checked” for years.
Others had no idea that a spot was changing. Some lesions we detect have the potential to become extremely dangerous if left untreated.Catching these early changes before they progress is what saves lives.
Those early detections are not just numbers on paper; they represent parents, grandparents, outdoor workers, teachers, FIFO staff, local business owners, and young people who now have the chance to take action early and avoid future harm.
Education That Empowers Communities
Skin cancer prevention isn’t just about screening. Education is equally important—and it’s
at the heart of Skin ChX.
Every Community Program Includes Guidance On:
- What to look for when monitoring your own skin
- How changes in moles or lesions can indicate risk
- Sun safety practices
- How WA’s UV levels differ dramatically across regions
- Why regular professional screening is essential
This empowers West Aussies to take ownership of their health, recognise warning signs,
and understand when to seek follow-up care.
A Commitment to Western Australia’s Future
Skin ChX is more than a screening provider; it’s a commitment to making Western Australia healthier, safer, and better informed. Our goal is long-term: to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in WA through early detection and ongoing education.
As we continue to travel throughout the state, partnering with communities large and small, we remain dedicated to ensuring that every West Aussie no matter how remote their location has the opportunity to protect themselves from preventable skin cancers.
Because every spot checked, every lesson shared, and every early detection truly does help save a life.