The NSW Government has launched a new online course to equip the hair and beauty industry with the skills to start a conversation about skin changes that could save a life.
Developed by TAFE NSW in conjunction with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, Hair and Beauty Australia (HABA), and Keune Australia, the ‘Spot a Spot’ course is the first in Australia to target hairdressers, barbers and beauticians to increase early awareness and prevention of skin cancer.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“Australia has some of the highest melanoma rates in the world, but we know that 90 per cent of melanomas can be treated successfully if caught early.
“The NSW Government is committed to increasing the rates of early detection of melanoma in the battle against skin cancer, and this is a great initiative to help people detect the early signs of this potentially-deadly disease.”
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:
“One Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and it results in around 1300 deaths every year.
“But we know early detection matters, which is why this new course is a great example of TAFE NSW working with industry to identify skills needs and fast-tracking solutions that benefit, not only the workforce but the wider community.
"By offering free places for TAFE NSW apprentices studying Certificate III in Hairdressing and Barbering and Certificate IV in Beauty, we’re working to equip the next generation with the skills to have these important conversations."
Maureen Harding, the National President of HABA, said:
"I've been a hairdresser for 50 years and have had these conversations with my clients, including ones that turned out to have lifesaving outcomes.
"What's great about this course is that it can be completed in an hour and on a mobile device. It offers practical information about what makes a spot suspicious, and different ways to start a conversation with a client about a subject that can be very scary."
Dr Wayne Harvey from the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation said:
“Early detection of melanoma is associated with high survival rates. Hairdressers and barbers are in regular contact with their clients and access hard-to-see spots, so they are very well placed to recognise skin changes.
"Helping the industry to develop the skills to recognise a suspicious spot and then confidently talk about skin changes with their clients has the potential to significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of melanoma long term."
Story as aired on 7 News, Sunday 18 June: NSW TAFE hair and beauty students being trained how to spot skin cancers on customers | 7NEWS - YouTube