Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. And Queensland’s skin cancer rates are, sadly, the highest in Australia. Each year more than 3,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
In 2019, 32,398 people were hospitalised in Queensland for treatment of malignant skin cancers. These include 3,475 admissions for melanoma. About 25,000 of the patients were 60 or older, 16,400 of whom were men. About half the admissions were in Brisbane hospitals (16,846), while the Gold Coast (3,391) and Sunshine Coast (3,218) also recorded high numbers of patients.
Every year almost 2,000 Australians lose their lives to the disease and by the end of 2021 it’s estimated that 16,878 melanomas will have been diagnosed across the country.
Yet a national Cancer Council study assessing sun protection attitudes and behaviours of Australian adults showed an alarming number of adults still prefer a bronzed body.
The 2019 Summer Sun Protection Survey (Life in Australia™), examined the sun protection practices of 2,154 Australian adults over the summer months.
Two in five adults (40%) reported they like to get a suntan, and 62% of respondents reported having tanned skin, with sun exposure being the most common method for achieving a suntan.
Head of SunSmart and Chair of Cancer Council’s National Skin Cancer Committee, Heather Walker, said it was concerning to see so many adults still seeking a suntan.
“Australians need to be reminded that there is no such thing as a safe tan. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, more melanin is produced, causing the skin to darken. This is what we know as a ‘tan’. A tan is a sign that skin has been damaged by UV radiation,” Ms Walker said.
The results weren’t all grim. The research also showed that the majority of respondents (84%) protected their skin to avoid sunburn, and three in four (75%) respondents believed they could avoid skin cancer by regularly protecting themselves. Ms Walker said the data provides evidence that the sun protection messaging is resonating with Australians.
“We know our SunSmart campaigns are having an impact and we’ve seen a remarkable drop in skin cancer rates over the years. However, there is more work to be done – particularly in combatting the myths around tanning. People need to understand that tanning also increases your risk of skin cancer.”
Alfred Hospital Victorian Melanoma Service Director Associate Professor, Victoria Mar, reiterated the dangers involved in tanning.
“Sun damage accumulates over time, so even if you’re seeking a tan but not burning, the risks will be heightened, and for some people this will result in skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important for Australians to use adequate sun protection and avoid tanning,” Associate Professor Mar said.
In Australia, sun protection is advised when UV levels are 3 or higher. SunSmart recommends people:
Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible
Slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
Slap on a Broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck
Seek Shade and
Slide-on sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection
For more information visit www.sunsmart.com.au
Source: Cancer Council Australia; Queensland Health Dept.
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