Prevention is better than misguided beliefs
Skin cancer is responsible for 80% of new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia and the incidence and mortality rate of melanoma has increased significantly.
Prevention is the best strategy. An attitude that understands that a tan is not a sign of good health and wellbeing is a great asset. Rather, it is just a misguided belief of previous generations.
Here are some risks you may not have been aware of:
- Sun exposure and sunburn put you at risk of skin cancer. Any outdoor activity that allows repeated overexposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation from the skin will damage skin cells.
- Regular skin exposure to UV radiation even though it is not burning skill cells can still cause damage.
- Artificial UV radiation tanning devices can emit greater UV radiation than the sun; in particular UVA and UVB have proven links to cancer.
- Family history and the natural lack of melanin in the skin as seen in people with fair complexions will increase susceptibility to the disease.
- The number of benign nevi or moles on a person’s body also increases the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis.
Preventing skin cancer with a broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen before you go outdoors with a reapplication rate of every two hours is your best protection strategy. In addition sun-protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat increase your protection against sun cancer.
