Primary Care Impact Grants: Capability Building in Skin Cancer Early Intervention Program

The North Coast has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Australia due to high levels of sun exposure, an ageing population and a large number of people who work and spend time outdoors. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes, yet access to skin cancer assessment, diagnosis and treatment can be limited in some communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Capability Building in Skin Cancer Early Intervention Program addresses this gap by strengthening the capacity of primary care providers to detect and manage skin cancer earlier, improving access to timely care and reducing the burden of advanced disease.

The program uses a targeted grants model to support primary care providers in building their capability to deliver skin cancer early intervention services. One-off grants are provided to help practices improve workforce skills, adopt diagnostic technologies, access specialist support and implement innovative service models that enhance early detection and treatment. The program focuses on strengthening local capacity so that more skin cancers can be identified and managed at an earlier stage in community-based primary care settings.

The program builds on Healthy North Coast’s ongoing engagement with general practices, primary care providers and communities across the region. Feedback from clinicians and local health services identified the need for greater workforce capability, improved access to diagnostic tools and enhanced support for communities at high risk of skin cancer. The program has been designed to support practical, locally led solutions that address barriers to timely skin cancer detection and improve access to evidence-based care, particularly for high-risk and underserved populations.

The program funds activities that increase the capacity of primary care providers to deliver skin cancer early intervention services. These activities may include:

• – Education and training to improve clinician skills in skin cancer assessment and management.
• – Purchase of diagnostic equipment such as dermatoscopes, imaging systems and supporting software.
• – Access to dermatology resources or specialist support services.
• – Development of innovative service models, including outreach programs targeting high-risk communities.
• – Quality improvement and service enhancement initiatives that improve access to skin cancer screening and early treatment.

The program aims to improve the early detection and management of skin cancer across the North Coast by strengthening primary care capability and increasing access to high-quality skin cancer services. It seeks to improve clinician confidence and diagnostic accuracy, increase the number of skin checks and early interventions performed, improve access for high-risk and underserved populations, and support earlier diagnosis and treatment. Over time, the program is expected to reduce the burden of advanced skin cancer, improve patient outcomes and enhance equity of access to skin cancer care.