Free spot checks for melanoma at the Warehouse

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

Are you worried about suspicious moles on your skin?

You can have them checked for free at Melanoma New Zealand's new spot check van.

The vehicle will park at five of The Warehouse stores in Auckland later this month.

A qualified melanoma nurse educator will be there.

Melanoma New Zealand chief executive Andrea Newland said New Zealand had the worst rate of melanoma in the world.

More than 4000 Kiwis are diagnosed each year with melanoma and more than 300 will die from it, she said.

"More people are dying from skin cancer in New Zealand than on our roads," she said.

"Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer but the good news is that if it is caught and treated early enough, it is almost always curable."

If you want to have a spot check, you need to fill out a registration form on the day for limited spaces.

Melanoma New Zealand also recommends getting thorough and regular full body skin examinations rather than relying on spot checks alone.

This month, The Warehouse stores are fundraising for Melanoma New Zealand by selling reusable bags at checkouts.

All proceeds from the sacks will go towards the organisation's work.

Free spot checks will be held at:

The Warehouse in Lunn Ave, Mount Wellington on February 20 from 10am to 3pm, at The Warehouse Silverdale on February 21 from 10am to 12pm, The Warehouse Snells Beach on February 21 from 2 pm to 5pm, The Warehouse Royal Oak on February 27 from 10am to 12 pm and The Warehouse Mt Roskill on February 27 from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.

Are you going to get a free spot check?

Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.