29 August 2022
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Over 750 men and women took advantage of Scott Maggs’ free clinic, staffed with certified dermoscopy nurses checking bodies from toes to scalps at this year’s Hamilton Island Race Week.
Over 900 suspicious spots were discovered and 260 skin cancers found, including 50 melanomas.
Founder Scott Maggs, formerly known as Jimmy Niggles Esq, set up the clinic at the Robert Oatley College on Front Street overlooking the Marina, providing vital early detection services for the sailing community at the biggest regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.
This is Scott’s fifth year offering free skin checks, which are always gratefully received.
“Sailors spend a tonne of time in the sun and are a lot more at risk than the average Aussie,” said Scott. “And judging from our previous four years here lives literally depend on it.
“Over 98 percent of skin cancer can be successfully treated if it’s found early, which is exactly what our charity is all about.”
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“Skin cancer can occur on any part of the body. We found skin cancer on a 19-year-old sailor this year.”
As Scott explained, it’s imperative to find skin cancers early.
“Over 98 percent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if they’re found early, which is exactly what our charity is all about.”
Skin Check Champions has grown over the past 12 years from a discussion between friends following the tragic death of their mate, Wes Bonny.
Wes lost his life to melanoma at just 26. He had a suspicious looking spot on his neck which he didn’t know was dangerous until it was too late. It spread into his bloodstream and eventually turned into a brain tumour.
When Scott founded the charity, he was known as “Jimmy Niggles” and sported his trademark longer beard, becoming the mascot for the message of early detection, treatment and prevention of skin cancer.
Now known by his actual name and based south of Sydney at Austinmer, Scott said his team of skilled nurses and doctors are available all over Australia and willing to travel to events with their pop-up clinics.
“Sailors are a high-risk community. My aim is to get in bed with the sailing community, to be where they are, such as events, regattas and at Yacht Clubs and work with them to really get the message into the fabric of the sport and make a difference.”
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