Water Based Research Unit

06/10/2025

https://theconversation.com/does-my-sunscreen-actually-work-heres-whats-behind-the-latest-spf-concerns-266475

No wonder consumers are confused about whether sunscreens actually work. Here’s what’s behind the latest news.

15/06/2025

https://www.pacificlongboarder.com/news/Melanoma-skin-cancer-is-120-times-higher-in-surfers-than-in-the-general-population/

Guess we kinda knew that already, but now via a study by the Southern Cross University the prevalence has a number.  And it’s ...

25/03/2025

Our Aquatic Based Research Unit was asked to develop this article.... an easy read 😀

A big freckle or a sunspot? A flat mole or a dark freckle? Here’s how to tell the difference between the three – and when to get a spot checked for skin cancer.

14/08/2024

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/more-firepower-needed-in-skin-cancer-battle/

Associate Professor Mike Climstein, from Southern Cross University’s Aquatic Based Research, is leading a research team of skin cancer doctors and academics who are unlocking fresh insights into skin cancer identification.

09/07/2024

Recent media coverage on our patients poorly self identify melanomas

https://fb.watch/tbqAJ76CBI/

04/07/2024

Here is our newest publication

09/08/2023

Our new publication on skin cancer in surfers, swimmers and walkers/runners.

Congratulations to Ian Miller (PhD Candidate, Aquatic Based Research) and his colleagues Adj A/Professor Michael Stapelberg, Dr Nela Rosic, Adj A/Professor Jeremy Hudson, Dr Paul Coxin, A/Professor James Furness and Dr Joe Walsh on their new publication "Implementation of artificial intelligence for the detection of cutaneous melanoma within a primary care setting: prevalence and types of skin cancer in outdoor enthusiasts" in PeerJ.

This is an open access publication available at https://peerj.com/articles/15737/ #

This is the most extensive screening study on surfers, swimmers and walkers/runners ever conducted. Researchers conducted full body screenings for skin cancer that incorporated a high-resolution digital dermatoscope that included in-built artificial intelligence (deep learning convolutional neural networks). The researchers found, that compared to the general Australian population, surfers had the highest odds ratio (OR) for malignant melanoma (OR 119.😎, followed by walkers/runners (OR 79.74), and swimmers (OR 61.61). Rates of both keratinocyte carcinomas and melanoma were notably higher in aquatic and land-based enthusiasts compared to the general Australian population. These findings further highlight the clinical importance of sun-safe protection measures and regular skin screening in individuals who spend significant time outdoors
The research team wishes to acknowledge the generous funding support by Johnson & Johnson, who provided funding for the Moleanalyzer-Pro by Fotofinder.
https://peerj.com/articles/15737/ #

Background There is enthusiasm for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist clinicians detect skin cancer. Performance metrics of AI from dermoscopic images have been promising, with studies documenting sensitivity and specificity values equal to or superior to specialists for the detecti...

10/04/2022

Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition – the 50th anniversary of surfing from 1972 - 2022 and celebration of the legendary 1972 Australian Team.

Legends of Surf 72 exhibition takes you on a wave of nostalgia following a phenomenal year of surfing events in 1972.

Join the legendary Australian teams’ journey from the Nationals to the raucous World Surfing Championships in California, and the end of the year Hawaiian season on the North Shore of Oahu.

The unique Exhibition displayed on the Gold Coast during a multitude of surf festive events, features iconic photos, front page cover posters, archival magazine stories, period surfboards and a timeless vision depicting a huge breakthrough year in surfing that shaped many careers.

Fourteen (14) members from the twenty-one (21) squad representing Australia at the 1972 San Diego World Surfing Championships have been inducted into the Surfing Australia Hall of Fame.

This is an unparalleled statistic unrivaled in Australia’s colourful surfing history.

Surfing Australia had no hesitation in collaborating with the Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition and their annual Hall of Fame Awards association to recognise this historical achievement and help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the men and women surfers who represented Australia in 1972.

The annual Surfing Australia Hall of Fame Awards “Surfing Oscars” are to be presented on Saturday night 7th May in the QT Hotel Ballroom, Staghorn Street Surfers Paradise tickets will be available from www.surfingaustralia.com

An S-Lab surfboard modelled on the 1972 World Surfing Championship winning twin-fin fish design will be auctioned off on Friday night 29th April at Rydges Hotel next to Gold Coast Airport in the Exhibition foyer area to donate funds for Cancer Council Queensland.

“There is so much happening on the Gold Coast in May! The new Flotsam Festival opens with a special screening of the epic 1972 surf movie MOTE on Sunday night 1st of May at Kirra Hill, followed by WSL Pro juniors, International WQS Challenger Series and the Australian Hall of Fame awards. “

“Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition is on the first wave of a set of awesome events, and we are happy to be the curtain-raiser for a fun-filled week of surfing and a celebration of surf history & culture,” said organizer Andrew McKinnon a 1972 Australian Team member.

Venues are Rydges Hotel Gold Coast Airport Friday 29th April – Thursday 5th May, and QT Hotel Staghorn Street, Surfers Paradise in the Mezcal Room next to the Stingray Bar Friday 6th – Sunday 8th May. Visiting hours are 10am – 5pm. Free admittance.

72 Video Awards night --> https://lnkd.in/gKHCQDgD

27/03/2022

Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition – the 50th anniversary of surfing from 1972 - 2022 and celebration of the legendary 1972 Australian Team.

Legends of Surf 72 exhibition takes you on a wave of nostalgia following a phenomenal year of surfing events in 1972.
Join the legendary Australian teams’ journey from the Nationals to the raucous World Surfing Championships in California, and the end of the year Hawaiian season on the North Shore of Oahu.
The unique Exhibition displayed on the Gold Coast during a multitude of surf festive events, features iconic photos, front page cover posters, archival magazine stories, period surfboards and timeless vision depicting a huge breakthrough year in surfing that shaped many careers.

Fourteen (14) members from the twenty-one (21) squad representing Australia at the 1972 San Diego World Surfing Championships have been inducted into the Surfing Australia Hall of Fame.

This is an unparalleled statistic unrivaled in Australia’s colourful surfing history.

Surfing Australia had no hesitation in collaborating with the Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition and their annual Hall of Fame Awards association to recognise this historical achievement and help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the men and women surfers who represented Australia in 1972.

The annual Surfing Australia Hall of Fame Awards “Surfing Oscars” are to be presented on Saturday night 7th May in the QT Hotel Ballroom, Staghorn Street Surfers Paradise tickets will be available from www.surfingaustralia.com

An S-Lab surfboard modelled on the 1972 World Surfing Championship winning twin-fin fish design will be auctioned off on Friday night 29th April at Rydges Hotel next to Gold Coast Airport in the Exhibition foyer area to donate funds for Cancer Council Queensland.

“There is so much happening on the Gold Coast in May! The new Flotsam Festival opens with a special screening of the epic 1972 surf movie MOTE on Sunday night 1st of May at Kirra Hill, followed by WSL Pro juniors, International WQS Challenger Series and the Australian Hall of Fame awards. “

“Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition is on the first wave of a set of awesome events, and we are happy to be the curtain-raiser for a fun filled week of surfing and a celebration of surf history & culture,” said organiser Andrew McKinnon a 1972 Australian Team member.

Venues are Rydges Hotel Gold Coast Airport Friday 29th April – Thursday 5th May, and QT Hotel Staghorn Street, Surfers Paradise in the Mezcal Room next to the Stingray Bar Friday 6th – Sunday 8th May. Visiting hours are 10am – 5pm. Free admittance.

25/03/2022

https://www.scu.edu.au/engage/news/latest-news/2022/rabbit-bartholomew-encourages-surfers-and-swimmers-to-take-part-in-high-tech-skin-check-for-new-research.php

How to take part in the study:

This research study into skin cancer is open to anyone aged 18 years and over who surfs, swims, stand-up paddleboards, cycles or walks/runs year-round. Participants from the Gold Coast and the NSW North Coast are invited to take part.

The study involves a skin check at Advanced Skin Cancer Practice located at the John Flynn Specialist Suites (Tugun, QLD) where participants will complete a questionnaire followed by a comprehensive whole body skin check using cutting-edge FotoFinder mole mapping technology.

The study is open now. Contact 07 5601 0495 to book a screening.

Available days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Medicare rebates apply.

12/11/2021

Southern Cross University's Water Based Research Team, Adjunct Assoc. Professor Michael Stapelberg, Dr Nela Rosic and myself would like to acknowledge the generous research support provided by Johnson and Johnson for our melanoma research into aquatic enthusiasts (surfers, swimmers and stand-up paddle boarders).

In our 1st study, we identified the age-standardized rate (per 100,000) of melanoma in surfers was 5,172 and in swimmers was 1,818. This is 97 fold higher in surfers and 34 fold higher in swimmers than the Australian general population!

The funding support provided by Johnson and Johnson has allowed us to purchase a high-resolution digital dermoscopy system that includes artificial intelligence. This will allow Assoc Professor Stapelberg (a skin cancer specialist) the ability to identify melanoma and other skin cancers as early as possible, which results in better health outcomes and reduced mortality.

In our next study, we will screen aquatic and outdoor enthusiasts in the Gold Coast area of Qld and Northern NSW for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer using our new scanner with artificial intelligence.

We are also seeking further industry partners to support Dr Rosic who will lead the team on the development of clinical biomarkers for the early detection of skin cancers which can be used in general practice by GPs. These research studies have a significant and wide geographical health impact.

If you are interested in becoming an industry partner or would like further information, please contact Associate Professor Mike Climstein on +61 7 5589 3330 or via email at michael.climstein@scu.edu.au.

23/10/2021

https://peerj.com/articles/12334/
Great to be part of a study from New Zealand. Check out the findings in the link below.

Background New Zealand (NZ) has nearly 14,000 km of coastline and a surfing population of approximately 315,000 surfers. Given its popularity, surfing has a high frequency of injury claims, however, there remains a lack of data on traumatic surfing-related injuries from large population studies. The...