Largest targeted skin cancer screening of its kind launched at Cape Town Cycle Tour

The Western Cape Government is supporting Skin Scan, powered by Tim’s Test, an innovative screening initiative that is transforming how skin cancer is detected and prevented in high-risk populations. As far as we know, this is the largest mass screening of this nature in the world, of an at-risk population.

Launched in 2025 in honour of the late Tim Brink, a cycle enthusiast and the editor of Bicycling Magazine SA and Ride Magazine who sadly lost his life to skin cancer, Skin Scan offers free dermatological screenings to cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, a group particularly vulnerable to prolonged sun exposure. This year, the whole-of-society initiative brought together various partners to expand its reach and impact, including the Western Cape Government, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Clicks, pharmaceutical partners, and private dermatologists, led by Dr Michael Mol and Dr Dagmar Whitaker. 

The results from the 2025 initiative highlight both the scale of the risk and the power of early detection:

• 1,408 people screened
• 504 clinically significant lesions identified
• 12 confirmed melanomas detected 

Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness said the initiative reflects the Western Cape Government’s commitment to prevention and partnership-driven healthcare. “Skin Scan shows what is possible when innovation, partnerships and public health come together. Early detection saves lives, and initiatives like this bring care directly to people in spaces where they live, work and exercise. This is exactly the kind of proactive, people-centred approach we are driving in the Western Cape.”

Dr Zunaid Ahmed of Tygerberg Hospital, who has been closely involved in the clinical component of the initiative, emphasised the importance of opportunistic screening. “What makes this initiative so powerful is that it reaches people who may not otherwise seek medical attention. Detecting lesions early, especially melanomas, significantly improves outcomes. The number of clinically significant findings reinforces the importance of regular skin checks, particularly for those with high sun exposure.”

Findings from the 2025 screening also highlighted that:

• 1 in 3 participants had a potentially significant skin condition
• A high burden of sun-induced lesions was observed
• Many individuals screened had no prior diagnosis despite risk factors

These insights reinforce the need for routine skin checks, improved public awareness, and consistent sun protection behaviours. 

Scaling impact for 2026

Building on the success of the pilot, organisers prepared to expand the initiative in 2026, targeting 2,000 high-risk participants while also driving a broader awareness campaign.

Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Dave Bellairs, said the initiative has become a meaningful addition to the event. “The Cape Town Cycle Tour is about more than just the race, it’s also about the wellbeing of our cycling community. Skin Scan has shown that we can use this platform to make a real difference in people’s lives. We are excited to grow and expand the initiative and reach even more participants with both screening and awareness.” 

Prevention remains critical: Stay Sun Smart

Alongside early detection, residents are urged to take simple, consistent steps to protect themselves from harmful sun exposure.

Tygerberg Hospital treats approximately 1,000 skin cancer patients each year, underscoring the importance of prevention.

Residents are encouraged to Stay Sun Smart this summer by following these key guidelines:

• Use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and reapply regularly
• Seek shade, especially between 10:00 and 16:00
• Wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses
• Avoid sunburn, particularly in children
• Be aware of changes in your skin and seek medical advice early

Simple self-checks using the ABCDE rule can help identify warning signs early, including changes in shape, colour or size of moles or spots.

Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde added, “As a keen cyclist, I understand just how much time we spend in the sun without always thinking about the risks. Skin Scan is a powerful reminder that looking after your health starts with simple, everyday habits. Protect your skin, get checked when something doesn’t feel right, and take prevention seriously.”  

Skin Scan demonstrates the critical role of innovative, community-based screening and partnership in creating a healthier Western Cape. By combining early detection with prevention, the initiative is not only identifying cancer earlier but helping people take control of their health.

The Western Cape Government is currenting exploring ways of how to expand this initiative to other sporting events and to at risk populations.  

Listen to the Voice Clip by Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger about the Skin Scan Initiative: