Mirvac support staff skin checks
With South East Queensland the skin cancer capital of the world the importance of regular skin checks prompted the bosses at Brisbane’s Mirvac office to host a skin cancer day all in the name of saving lives.
Over 30 staff attended the event and were given the once over by the doctor’s from the PA Hospital’s Dermatology Department spear headed by leading skin cancer researcher Professor Peter Soyer.
Of the 34 staff that attended a variety of skin conditions were discovered ranging from abnormal skin cell development due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation to basal cell carcinoma (form of skin cancer).
One patient has been referred to the PA’s dermatology department to have a lesion removed after it was discovered that the suspicious area may turn into a melanoma.
Another who enjoyed the life of sun and sand will now become a regular visitor to the Dermatology Research Centre for mole mapping and follow ups.
Over half of those who attended have been advised to see their GP’s for further treatment of skin conditions.
Professor Peter Soyer said the staff were very positive about the skin checks with many revealing they had never had one.
“Despite all efforts to encourage sun protection in the community, we feel there is still room for improvement. A 15 min skin check from your GP could mean the difference between life and death,” says Professor Soyer.
“Holding a day offering free skin checks to their employees is an excellent example of the effort Mirvac makes in ensuring the best possible care of their staff.”
Other findings from the day –
- 62% never wore a hat
- 50% applied sunscreen more than half the time they were outside. One patient never used sunscreen.
- 44% reported one lesion of concern.
- 60% never had a full skin exam.
For more information on corporate partnerships with the PA Research Foundation phone 07 3176 2359
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