Skin cancer is a full-fledged epidemic waiting for people to come to grips with it. Australia, has, according to the World Cancer Research Fund, the highest skin cancer rate in the world. And the Cancer Council of Australia agrees, pointing out that two out of every three Australians are expected to be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70 years of age, Skin Cancer in Australia and skin cancer amounts to 85 percent of all new cancer diagnosis.
The Perfect Storm for Skin Cancer
Some researchers have described Australia as a perfect storm for skin cancer.
The majority of the population, originating in Europe, have light skin. Second, Australia gets a tremendous amount of exposure to the sun every year, and third, the lifestyle of Australians, accustomed to go to the beach and play outdoors, leads, quite often to a lethal dose of exposure. Every year, for example, over 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Facts You Should Know about Skin Cancer
First, the overwhelming percentage of skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to the sun. Research shows that five or more sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of serious, melanoma skin cancer. To avoid sunburns at all times. The sun is strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so do your best to cover up, including wearing a wide-brimmed hat, during that time.
Second, tanning is not a positive sign of health, In fact, quite the opposite. To get tanned, the body is exposed to enough ultraviolet radiation to cause the body to want to protect itself. Which is one reason you should bypass any sun tanning beds?
Studies have shown that people who use sun tanning beds, particularly at a younger age, increase their risk of melanoma by 75 percent. But whether you get your tan from a suntan bed or naturally, from the sun, you are trading beauty for the risk of skin cancer down the line.
Third, use plenty of SPF sunscreen. For general use, a 15 SPF is sufficient, while for sporting at the beach, apply a 30 SPF formula on yourself, and reapply every two hours is advisable.
Fourth, newborns should absolutely be kept out of the sun.
Fifth, do a self-examination from head to foot at least once a month. What should you be looking for? Any spots or markings that are new, one that changes in size, shape, feel, or color. You should also be aware of any unusual sore, lumps, or blemishes, or any change in how the skin looks and feels. Particularly any crusting, oozing, or bleeding, as well as itching, tenderness, or pain, should cause you to seek a doctors opinion.
Finally, you should consult a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional diagnosis, but don’t wait if in your self-exams you find anything unusual.
The Doctors at Sun Doctors Skin Cancer Clinic a nation-wide chain of Australian skin cancer prevention clinics across Australia certainly agree and stand ready to do mole and skin-cancer checks on every new patient they have.
The doctors not only check you for skin cancer, but they take photos of your moles and potential problem areas of the skin to have clear documentation of changes between check-ups.
With skin cancer being such a prevalent disease,(just ask Australian actor Hugh Jackman from the X-men movies) virtually anyone in Australia who is active has a good chance of getting skin cancer. The critical key is to take preventative steps beforehand.
