Nurse-led models improve access to early skin cancer detection in regional communities

Skin cancer rates continue to rise globally, with a disproportionate burden in regional and rural communities where access to early detection is often limited. This recent Australian study demonstrates that nurse-led, community-based skin check models, supported by targeted training and technology, can improve access, build local workforce capacity, and support earlier detection of high-risk cases.

Summary

• Worldwide, rates of melanoma and keratinocyte (non-melanoma) skin cancers continue to rise.
• Prevention and early detection are the best strategies to decrease the morbidity and mortality of skin cancers.
• After decades of research and debate, Australia is considering a national screening program targeted to individuals at the highest risk of melanoma.
• It is estimated that regional and remote Australians will account for 47% of total incidence melanomas.
• General practitioner shortages in regional and rural areas, combined with high service demand, limit the capacity for full-body skin checks without additional workforce support.
• Primary care nurses are well positioned to incorporate skin checks into their scope of practice and can quickly build competency and confidence through structured training.
• Artificial Intelligence shows value as an educational adjunct for novice clinicians.
• Pop-up clinics at large regional and rural events (e.g., agricultural field days) provide a practical way to deliver skin checks, reaching populations who may otherwise face barriers to access.
• Nurse-led skin checks are highly acceptable to consumers, and once trained, nurses can continue to offer this service within their local communities as part of a multidisciplinary primary care team.

Abstract

Objective:
Skin cancer rates are rising and disproportionately higher in under-serviced regional and rural Australia compared to metropolitan areas. It is estimated that regional and rural areas will account for 47% of total incidence melanomas. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-disciplinary, nurse-led early detection model for skin cancer in regional and rural areas, called Project Check Mate. Three nurse-led pop-up skin cancer clinics were held at large rural community events in South Australia. Regional and rural nurses from local General Practitioner (GP) practices were trained in skin checks and worked in tandem with experienced nurse dermoscopists.

Design:
Pragmatic evaluation using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Setting:
The study examined: training completion of nurses and demonstrated skills application; the number and risk profile of consumers receiving a skin check; use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the acceptability of the model to nurses, GPs and consumers.

Results:
Thirteen of fourteen nurses completed the training and gained supervised clinical experience, reporting increased confidence in dermoscopy and image capture. Across the three sites, 509 total body skin checks were performed in 2023. Consumers had a median age of 58 years (men) and 54 years (women), with one-quarter identified as above-average risk for melanoma. Nurse-led skin checks were positively received; 99% of consumers indicated they would use the service again, and GPs expressed support for the model. AI was valued as an adjunctive learning tool but not used for clinical decision making.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that nurse-led skin checks, delivered in collaboration with GPs and communities, are acceptable to stakeholders and can improve access to skin cancer assessment in regional and rural settings. Training local nurses builds sustainable workforce capacity and offers a promising pathway for risk-tailored skin cancer assessments in under-served areas.

Source:

M.Eckert, P.Adelson, L.Darch, and G.Sharplin. A Nurse-Led Multi-Disciplinary Model Enhancing Skin Cancer Early Detection in Regional/Rural Australia: Project Check Mate,. Australian Journal of Rural Health34, no. 2 (2026): e70179, https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70179.