Skin checks for Mangawhai sun lovers

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Few people are greater sun-lovers than Kiwis but there really can be too much of a good thing when it comes to sunbathing or just being out in summer’s harsh rays for too long without sufficient protection.

Former Mangawhai GP, Dr David Hassan, now lives in North Rodney, has a special interest in skin cancer, and is a member of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.

Last year he did a number of free spot checks for local charity Te Whai Community Trust and saw a massive unmet need for skin cancer checks in Mangawhai.

“Mangawhai is filled with sun lovers and people who work outside,” he says. “All locals with previous skin cancers, fair skin or multiple moles should have regular skin checks.”

Noting that Northland has the highest rate of melanoma in the world he became aware that locals have limited access to professional skin services. Initially Dr Hassan is running a fortnightly Tuesday afternoon clinic at the Mangawhai Physiotherapy rooms in Insley St doing full skin checks, spot checks (1-2 lesions) and delivering cryotherapy. Any requirement for skin surgery would be done in his private surgical rooms in Warkworth. 

The service also comes with good advice about prevention and skin protection.

Operating as SunDocs they are qualified and credentialed skin cancer doctors offering a professional and personable service and are also an affilliated provider for Southern Cross.
 

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