Community Comes Together to Conquer Skin Cancer

GRICS is proud to collaborate with the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit and Bass Coast Health to host a local screening of the powerful documentary Conquering Skin Cancer.

The film combines heartfelt stories from survivors, expert insights and appearances from well-known Australians to shine a light on the urgent need for enhanced prevention, regular self-checks, early detection, equitable treatment access and innovative research.

Our local screening was attended by 31 community members, who engaged deeply with the film’s important messages. Following the screening, we hosted a panel discussion addressing frequently asked questions about skin cancer. The panel featured local GP Dr Bensley from Korumburra Medical Centre, who operates a skin-checking clinic and Maree McFarlane, a nurse involved in the ACEMID skin imaging trial at Bass Coast Health.

Attendees received goody bags containing details of local skin-check clinics, self-checking information from the Melanoma Institute of Australia and Cancer Council Victoria, and resources about the ACEMID trial. These materials reinforced the film’s central themes of prevention, early detection, and research innovation.

Participants were encouraged to share what they learned with their friends and family to help spread awareness across the community.