Skin Cancer truck offering free checkups for all

Raph McGowan, Jay Allen and former Australian Survivor contestant Mark 'Aussie Tarzan' Herlaar.

Sunshine Coast locals are encouraged to take advantage of free melanoma checkups available from Sunday 14 July to Tuesday 16 July, thanks to a unique partnership between the locally designed lotion applicator Bakslap and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation’s national Skin Check Truck.

Bakslap founder Raphael McGowan said he was thrilled to help facilitate the arrival of the Skin Check Truck on the Sunshine Coast with the support of its CEO and founder, Jay Allen OAM.

“This is the first time the truck has visited the Sunshine Coast, and it’s great to have prominent locations like the Alex Surf Club and the University of the Sunshine Coast providing space for the truck so more people can get their skin checked,” Raphael said.

“I created Bakslap to find new and innovative ways to share awareness, education, and practical prevention methods for melanoma skin cancer. Working with like-minded people like Jay, who has experienced his own cancer journey, ensures we can bring these important skin check initiatives to our local community.”

“The skin check truck has been operating for around twelve months, and I initially tried to get it here in March, but it was fully booked. I was determined to ensure more and more people have access to this service, especially since our region has one of the highest rates of melanoma in Australia,” Raphael said.

Skin Check Truck chief executive officer Jay Allen said the mobile service has played an important role in breaking down barriers for those who have never had their skin checked or might not understand how easy it is to get checked.

“Everywhere we go across the country we meet more and more people who have never had their skin checked for melanomas. We need people to know that something as simple as a skin check can save your life and taking a small time out of your day to get yourself checked can be invaluable,” Jay said.

The Skin Check Truck will be open from 8am to 4pm from Sunday 14 July to Tuesday 16 July. Appointments are free and no bookings are necessary.

Event Details: bakslap.com/skin-check-truck/

Sunday, 14 July: Alex Surf Club (Buhk Family Park) from 8am to 4pm

Monday, 15 July: Alex Surf Club (Buhk Family Park) from 8am to 4pm

Tuesday, 16 July: University of the Sunshine Coast (Car Park 8) from 8am to 4pm