Men do not have to get sunburned to develop melanoma skin cancers.
Exposure to the harsh rays of the sun can cause damage to your skin cells, which can lead to wrinkling and drying of the skin, premature ageing and other skin damage – and in the long term result in skin cancer.
How to Prevent Melanoma
The Australian Cancer Council's catchy message "slip, slap and slop" conveys the important steps one can take to minimise the chances of getting skin cancers when going out in the sun.
- Slip on a long sleeved shirt or blouse that covers as much of your skin as possible.
- Slop on sunscreen ( a broad spectrum one, at least 30+) and reapply every two hours.
- Slap on a wide brimmed hat , preferably with some protection for the back of the neck, that provides good sun protection for your face and neck.
A couple more words beginning with "s" can also help:
- Seek the shade under an umbrella or indoors, especially during times when Ultraviolet (UV) light is at its peak (10am to 3pm).
- Slide on sunglasses – "Sunnies" as they are known in Australia not only protect your eyes from sun damage, they are great as a fashion accessory!
Using Solariums for "Safe Tans"
There is no such thing as a safe tan, either from exposure to direct sunlight or from "sunbathing" in a solarium. It has been shown by research studies that people who use a solarium before the age of 35 have a 75% greater risk of melanoma compared to those who do not use solariums. They are also at greater risk of developing another form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma
Australian Army Bans Soldiers Wearing Berets
In 2010, the Australian army , concerned about the high incidence of melanoma and other skin cancer in that country, banned Australian soldiers from wearing traditional berets in order to minimise exposure to the sun. Australian "diggers" now have to wear the traditional wide brimmed slouch hat as part of their uniform, the reason for the new regulation ostensibly being to "ensure proper sun protection for our troops"
Some Facts about Skin Cancer
Every year, more than 1,850 Australians die from skin cancer and more than 430,000 Australians (over 1,000 people every day) are treated for skin cancer.
Melanoma, the most dangerous of the skin cancers, is the commonest in the 15 to 45 age group, accounting for almost 25% of all cancers in this age group.
More information:
Sanjiva Wijesinha - Dr. Sanjiva Wijesinha, Associate Professor at Monash University medical school, writes on health, travel and medical topics.
