88131 - Advanced Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine

A practical workshop designed for GPs with basic skills in identifying a “suspicious skin lesion” that warrants taking a biopsy, and provide them practical skills, best practice tips to provide confidence in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer including: 
• Improving skin lesion diagnostic specificity and sensitivity by using the Chaos and Clues algorithm. 
• Ensure familiarity with the full range of suturing techniques including those suitable for use with elderly patients. 
• Planning an elliptical excision working with a full body mannequin to design the most appropriate ellipses. 
• Ensure familiarity with performing an elliptical excision for both Non-Melanoma and Melanoma Skin Cancer, including suitable ellipse geometry, allowances for skin tension lines for optimal scar results. 
• Ensure understanding of local anaesthetics with both theory and practicals. 
• Ability to use diathermy equipment and liquid nitrogen in a safe way.

In 2012, cancer was reported to be the largest contributor to disease burden and a leading cause of premature death in Australia. 1 Currently, by the age of 75, 1 in 3 males and 1 in 4 females have received a cancer diagnosis (not counting non-melanoma skin cancer). 1 Whilst these numbers are predicted to increase over the next decade, it is estimated that one third of cancer is preventable if risk factors are addressed. 

This course is recognised and supported by Bond University for post graduate Certificate courses in Skin Cancer medicine. 

It aims to improve the outcomes for patients with skin cancer by improving the management of skin cancer in the primary care environment. It recognises that many practising GPs have not had practical hands on training in basic surgery or non-surgical treatments such as diathermy, punch biopsies, curretage and elliptical excision, yet are skills specified in various NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines for optimal patient care.