The University of Queensland is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at utilizing technology to advance the early detection of potentially fatal skin cancers in regional and rural Australia. Professor Monika Janda, from UQ’s Centre for Health Services Research, highlighted the significance of this endeavour in paving the way for a targeted melanoma screening program across the country.
The disparity in skin cancer rates between urban and regional areas has been a cause for concern, particularly with less than 10 per cent of dermatologists practicing outside capital cities. This project seeks to address this imbalance by ensuring equitable access to skin imaging services for regional Australians, thereby reducing the time between detection and treatment and ultimately saving lives.
With a substantial funding of £3 million from the Medical Research Future Fund, the project will be at the forefront of integrating 3D total body photography and artificial intelligence to support clinicians in the realm of skin cancer imaging. Moreover, the inclusion of upskilling initiatives for regional staff underscores the holistic approach adopted by the project.
The research will be conducted across 9 regional hospital and health care centres in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, with a dedicated 3D total body imaging trial hub established in partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital. This widespread implementation of new technologies will not only test the efficacy of AI in healthcare but also assess minimally invasive biopsy methods, thereby enhancing the diagnostic capabilities in regional areas.
Professor Janda emphasized the pivotal role played by consultations with consumers in regional communities in shaping the project’s focus. The challenges posed by geographical isolation and limited access to healthcare facilities have been a driving force behind the project, with technology being identified as a key enabler in overcoming the obstacles faced by residents in regional Australia.
Furthermore, the project is poised to improve research and clinical trial opportunities for patients in regional areas, marking a significant step towards addressing the healthcare disparities prevalent in the country.
This ambitious undertaking is a collaborative effort by the ACRF Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis, involving researchers from UQ, Monash University, and University of Sydney. The project not only holds promise in transforming the landscape of skin cancer detection but also serves as a beacon of hope for equitable healthcare access in regional Australia.
In conclusion, the pioneering efforts led by the University of Queensland underscore the transformative potential of technology-driven solutions in revolutionising skin cancer detection in regional and rural Australia. With a focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and addressing the unique challenges faced by regional communities, this project marks a crucial step towards achieving equitable healthcare access for all Australians.