NEW HOPE IN CANCER FIGHT
Townsville trial at the ‘cutting edge’
NEW skin cancer technology revolutionise early detection, under way in Townsville.
The combination of artificial intelligence and high-resolution imaging has culminated in the new Fotofinder, a world-leading skin cancer technology that will increase early detection, reduce invasive pro- cedures and save lives.
North Queensland Skin Centre clinical director Dr r Jeremy Hudson said the new technology last week picked up a skin cancer that was 0.2mm, the world’s s smallest-detected mela- noma. “(It is) a size that is unparalleled in comparison to the trained human eye,” he said.
“Our hopes are that in combination with using this with local experts, we can raise the level of skin-cancer awareness and treatment and, ideally, aim for having no deaths from melanoma.”
Dr Hudson said the Townsville team was spearheading the research in Australia and it had garnered support from Townsville uniis primed to with a trial versity and hospital experts and specialists. He said that in Townsville, where most people spend a lot of time outdoors, it was important to get regular skin checks.
Civil engineer Chris Macdonald has had several melanomas removed after more than three decades working in the sun.
His first melanoma was picked up three years ago, with a number of smaller melanomas and basal cell carcinomas discovered after that.
“Since then, I’ve been having regular check-ups,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Once (melanomas) get going and are undetected, they can be quite aggressive and basically kill you.
“It’s important they’re picked up early and removed from your body so they don’t spread.”
When his melanomas were first discovered, Mr Macdonald said he was concerned, but speaking to the doctors made him feel more confident.
“What you are seeing here is the cutting edge,” Dr Hudson said.
“This is absolutely going to take off in the world and Australia because it beats, hands down, any technology in the past.”