By Sharon Bonthuys

Just days before the Melanoma March to be held in Dubbo this Saturday, March 8, retiring Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has used his own personal experience with the disease to warn constituents about the importance of being sun-safe.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to follow the timeless adage of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide’,” Mr Coulton said, recuperating from surgery to remove his third melanoma and five lymph nodes.

“It does not matter whether you are a young parent taking your child to the pool for a swimming lesson, a cocky who has been on the land for 30 years, or an international tourist holidaying in Australia,” he implored.

“Proper sun safety is the only way to prevent this from happening to you, and regular skin checks are the only way to catch skin cancer early.”

The long-serving federal MP of one of the largest electorates in Australia, who is stepping down at the next election this year, shared a graphic post-surgery photo.

“All indications are that the procedure was completely successful, and I will not require further treatment,” he said.

“I will be taking a few days to recuperate and look forward to getting back to work later next week,” he added, indicating his electorate offices remain open in his absence.

The Melanoma March, which asks participants to “take steps to save lives”, starts early this Saturday, departing from the Riverbank foreshore behind Riverdale Shopping Centre. Registered participants can also book in to have a free skin check with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Skin Check Truck, which will be visiting Dubbo at the time. Full details of the event can be found on the Melanoma March website.