Three-dimensional imaging is a possible solution for early detection of skin cancer in rural and remote areas in the face of a workforce shortage, says the president of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

Although Australia faces rising rates of invasive melanoma — and already has the world’s highest age-standardised incidence rate — there is a shortage of specialists, college president Adjunct Associate Professor David Francis says.

According to Commonwealth health department estimates, the country will be short of about 90 specialist dermatologists by 2030, representing a 14% deficit in the projected demand for services.

Professor Francis says the shortfall could be even worse given the growing and ageing population and concerns about a better work-life balance for junior doctors.