Our Journey
The Australian Foundation (1990)
In 1990, the Lions Clubs of Western Australia established a Free Skin Cancer Screening Service that operated successfully for 30 years, proving the effectiveness of community-based early detection programs.
The New Zealand Vision (2019)
In 2019, Gary Irvine from the Australian Lions Cancer Institute presented at the New Zealand Lions Convention in Blenheim, encouraging New Zealand Lions to follow Australia's example. With New Zealand and Australia having the highest rates of skin cancer per population globally, and 504 New Zealanders dying from melanoma annually, the need was urgent.
Taking Action (2021)
Paul O'Connor of the Lions Club of Halswell, Christchurch, took up the challenge, creating a feasibility study and presenting at all seven Lions District Conventions. The project was approved by the Lions Clubs of New Zealand National Council in November 2021, and the Lions Cancer Trust was formed.
Our Achievements
Community support and dedication bringing life-saving services to New Zealand
1033 People Screened
303 people referred. That's 29.3% of people screened being referred!
March 29, 2025
Official Launch Date
Our first mobile unit launched in Hanmer Springs at 10:30am, marking the beginning of our life-saving mission.
7 Districts
Nationwide Coverage
Representatives from all seven Lions Districts of New Zealand working together to save lives through early detection.
Our Supporters
The Lions Cancer Trust is grateful to all our sponsors and supporters who believe in our life-saving mission:
Major Sponsors
Go Bus (Major Sponsor)
Lions Clubs International Foundation ($100,000+ donation)
Brendan Thomson & Joanna Smith (BT Coach Builders, Ashburton)
Community Support
Multiple product donors and supporters
Community groups across New Zealand
Local Lions Clubs fundraising efforts
How Our Mobile Service Works
Our mobile units bring professional skin cancer screening directly to your community, combining education with early detection services.
Where & When?
Local Lions groups invite our mobile units to events and communities across New Zealand.
You might find us at your A&P Show, Field Days or parked outside your local supermarket!
Professional Screening
Qualified healthcare professionals conduct top to toe skin screening.
They will look for signs of melanoma and other skin cancers and recommend a follow up with your GP if anything concerning is found.
Education & Follow-up
Beyond screening, we offer information to participants about skin cancer prevention, Sun Safe and self-examination techniques.
Why Early Detection Matters
Higher Survival Rates
When detected early, skin cancer has a survival rate of over 95%. Early intervention can be life-saving.
Less Invasive Treatment
Early-stage skin cancers often require simpler, less invasive treatments with better cosmetic outcomes.
Community Impact
Regular screening plays a vital role in protecting communities and whānau from the effects of skin cancer, helping ensure healthier futures for all.
Powered by Lions Clubs New Zealand
The Lions Cancer Trust is supported by the extensive network of Lions Clubs across New Zealand. Lions Clubs International is the largest membership-based volunteer organisation in the world, with 1.4 million members in more than 49,000 clubs volunteering in over 200 countries. Since 1917, Lions have improved health, wellbeing, and strengthened communities by supporting those in need, locally and globally.
Lions Cancer Trust
Established in January 2022 by the Lions Clubs of New Zealand, we provide mobile skin cancer screening services across the country. Early detection saves lives.
Trustees from seven districts of Multiple District 202
© 2024 Lions Cancer Trust. All rights reserved.
A project of Lions Clubs New Zealand Multiple District 202
