Skin Cancer
Statistics show Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world which claims over 1000 lives each year.
Melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer, is the most common life threatening cancer in men and women between the ages of 15 – 25 years.
In fact in Queensland the cummulative risk of developing a melanoma up to the age of 75 is 1 in 17 for males and 1 in 25 for females (figures for 2003, personal communication from the Queensland Cancer Fund).
The cost of treatment of skin cancer is also substantial. For non melanoma skin cancer, Australia spent $264 million for treatment in 2000-01. This cost is likely to escalate as our rates of skin cancer continue to increase.
In previous generations people did not know about the dangers of sun exposure but we can no longer use that excuse.
We need to remember that sun damage is cumulative and spending a lot of time in the sun increases our risk of getting skin cancer. This is particularly important in Queensland as we experience significant ultraviolet radiation all year round, with extremes in our summer months. Many have made a lifestyle choice to move here, but once we are here, we all need to take up the challenge of adapting to this environment.
We all need to examine the outdoor activities, when they are scheduled and the protection we undertake, for work, leisure and school time.
In Queensland, if we are to decrease skin cancer rates, we need a cultural shift in how we are continuing to behave when outdoors.
To look at specific examples of skin cancer types and learn more about their behaviour, visit the following websites:
- http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/a-z_of_skin.asp
- http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_skin.html
UV Information
This shows a 70 year old man's forearm showing marked sparing of sun damage under a watch band.
Ultraviolet Radiation and its effects
Energy from the sun is made up of UVA, UVB and UVC. Most of the UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
Long term chronic exposure to UVA and UVB radiation can increase the risk of damage to the skin and may result in skin cancer. Other changes seen include pigmentation and freckles, wrinkling and “leathering”. Ultraviolet radiation can also affect the eyes and contribute to the formation of cataracts.
Acute overexposure of the skin to UV can be seen as sunburn. It can take less than 15 minutes for unprotected skin to develop sunburn on a fine January day in Australia (Sunsmart website www.sunsmart.com.au/ ).
Getting sunburnt increases the risk of developing a melanoma. More than 5 burns, especially if blistering increase the risk significantly.
It is predicted that ozone depletion will result in an increase in skin cancers and cataracts hence it is very important we address as a society how to improve the infrastructure in terms of available shade and how we behave outdoors in the sun (World Health Organisation website Global UV Index publication).
Unfortunately surveys continue to show a large number of people are regularly still getting sunburnt and continue sun worshipping, complacent to the damage they may be sustaining.
Many people also wrongly perceive heat or high temperatures as an indication of high ultraviolet levels. UVR however can still be significant in cool temperatures and on cloudy days.