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CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
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CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
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Blog | Meet Mary-Anne Quilter, Program Manager – Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED)
From coordinating skin cancer early detection clinics to organising upskilling workshops for GPs and travelling to rural and remote communities, Mary-Anne Quilter is committed to increasing awareness about skin cancer and improving access to early detection and treatment.
Keep reading CheckUP’s new blog to learn more about Mary-Anne and her program.
How long have you worked at CheckUP?
I’ve worked at CheckUP for a total of 7 years on a number of different programs. I’ve been managing the SCED program for close to 2.5 years.
What do you enjoy about the Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) program?
I enjoy the dynamic nature of outreach work and admire the adaptability of our service providers.
The opportunity to visit rural and remote communities and to see our services in action is a particular highlight. I also get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that people who wouldn’t normally have access to a skin doctor are able to get their skin checked. Many tell us that if our SCED clinics weren’t available in their towns, they would not have their skin checked or potentially life-threatening skin cancers removed.
What motivated you to apply for the SCED Program Manager role?
This was a new program for CheckUP, funded by the Queensland Government. I saw it as a great opportunity to provide a very targeted response to a critical health issue in Queensland, which has the unenviable title of ‘Skin Cancer Capital of the World’. Initiating new programs and projects is something that really excites me, and in particular the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and build those relationships over time.
What are common misconceptions about skin cancer?
Sun safety messaging has been consistent for many years but I think there needs to be more education, particularly around how to do a self-skin check. It’s important to know your own skin, be aware of any changes that occur and if concerned, have them checked.
What are 5 ways to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer?
- Slip on protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts
- Slop on sunscreen – SPF50+ broad-spectrum and water resistant – and apply generously and every 2 hours (1 teaspoon per limb)
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade – trees, gazebos or even your own umbrella!
- Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Where can people find out more about staying safe in the sun?
Cancer Council Queensland has some great resources!
For learning about what to look for on your skin, download Cancer Council’s poster.
Read this article for the correct application of sunscreen information: 5 steps to applying sunscreen correctly | Cancer Council NSW
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Outdoor workers, those with fair skin and those with a family history of skin cancer are at highest risk of developing skin cancer. If you have any concerns about your skin, see your GP as a starting point for a skin check.
Images: Check out the images below which show Mary-Anne and Mirabelle Brown, CheckUP Outreach Coordinator on the road in regional Queensland.
Learn about Skin Cancer Early Detection Service
Critical Skin Cancer Education Scholarships
Skin Cancer College Australasia has partnered with CheckUP and the Queensland Government to help more Queenslanders access skin cancer early detection services.
If you are a General Practioner (GP)* committed to making a positive impact and supporting Queenslanders in early skin cancer detection and treatment, apply today.
Why submit your application?
This new initiative will support 12 GPs based in regional Queensland to access world-leading education to help them better detect and treat the potentially deadly disease.
Who can apply?
*These scholarships are for GPs practicing in the following HHS regions: Mackay, Townsville, North West, South West, Central Queensland and Central West.
What will the scholarship include?
Introduction to Skin Cancer course (6.5 CPD hours) and Certificate of Dermoscopy (27 CPD hours).
Who will deliver and fund the training?
The initiative, which will be delivered and jointly funded by Skin Cancer College Australasia and the Queensland Government through CheckUP’s Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) program, aims to upskill GPs based in rural, regional, and remote locations where such services are limited or non-existent.
The Skin Cancer Early Detection Program is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
How will this training support Queenslanders?
Queensland has the highest rate of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, making it the skin cancer capital of the world. Since the SCED program commenced in mid-2023, 1,957 Queenslanders living in rural and remote communities have accessed a skin cancer early detection clinic and had their skin checked. Of these patients, 563 received treatment for suspected skin cancers with 67% of these patients having histologically proven cancers detected. Through this training, more Queenslanders will be able to access vital skin cancer checks, early detection, and treatment.
Read about the Skin Cancer Education Scholarships launch held at the Australasian Skin Cancer Congress on the Gold Coast. Queensland Deputy Premier, Hon Jarrod Bleijie, attended alongside his mum Christine, a melanoma survivor, and announced the initiative.
Update: The scholarship application period has now closed. Thank you for your interest.
About Skin Cancer College Australasia
The Skin Cancer College Australasia (SCCA) provides a strong and collective voice to skin cancer medicine practitioners across Australia and New Zealand. They lead education excellence in the Trans-Tasman region and aim to ensure high quality, equitable access to the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of skin cancer to patients and communities across Australia and New Zealand.
CheckUP is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities in need, especially those in rural, regional, and remote areas. We are committed to advancing equity in healthcare by strategically collaborating at both regional and local levels, ensuring that health and community services are more accessible and responsive to people who need them most.
Images: The images below show patients undergoing skin checks.
Submit your Skin Cancer College Australasia Scholarship Application
Join CheckUP and Mt Isa Regional Jobs Committee for morning tea and learn about the business and workforce planning supports available for your business.
Register for the event.
- Industry Workforce Advisor – workforce planning assistance that supports businesses to attract, recruit and retain a workforce that meets their needs.
- NDIS Business Connect – supporting small businesses and sole traders to build their business capacity and capability to deliver into the NDIS market place.
For further information contact:
Stuart Coward | Industry Workforce Advisor (Community Services) | CheckUP Australia
M: 0417 282 372 | P: 07 3105 8301 | scoward@checkup.org.au
Chris Ruyg | Senior Practitioner | 54 Reasons
M: 0459 789 678 | chris.ruyg@54reasons.org.au
The Industry Workforce Advisor program is supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
Join CheckUP and the Mackay Regional Council for morning tea and learn about the business and workforce planning supports available for your business.
- Industry Workforce Advisor – workforce planning assistance that supports businesses to attract, recruit and retain a workforce that meets their needs.
- NDIS Business Connect – supporting small businesses and sole traders to build their business capacity and capability to deliver into the NDIS market place.
For further information contact:
Stuart Coward | Industry Workforce Advisor (Community Services) | CheckUP Australia
M: 0417 282 372 F: 07 3105 8301 E: scoward@checkup.org.au
Tamara Flynn | Community Development Officer | Community & Client Services | Mackay Regional Council
Phone: 07 49619596 | Mobile: 0436910813 | Fax: 07 4944 2421 | tamara.flynn@mackay.qld.gov.au
CheckUP is proud to host a networking event for Queensland senior healthcare leaders. This is an invitation only event for senior leaders and health executives.
Meet Ms Merrilyn Strohfeldt, CheckUP’s new Board Chair
Merrilyn was recently appointed CheckUP Board Chair and commenced in this role on 1 December 2024. Merrilyn is an experienced leader in primary healthcare across Australian and State Government jurisdictions, the not-for-profit sector, and private industry, and has been a CheckUP Board Director since 2020.
Merrilyn was previously the CEO of Darling Downs West Moreton PHN and Deputy Director General of the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety, and Disability Services.
Merrilyn is a current Board Member for Darling Downs Health.
With her extensive experience in health, disability and rehabilitation services, CheckUP looks forward to Merrilyn’s leadership and guidance over the coming years as Board Chair.