SustainHealth: 8 Facts you need to know about Skin Cancer and Protecting Yourself
As we approach the fun and sunshine of Summer, we at SustainHealth would like to ensure everyone is mindful of the dangers of the sun and is proactive in protecting themselves!
Skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer, with data showing approximately 2 in 3 Aussies will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70. Here are 8 facts that you need to know about protecting yourself in the Summer heat.
1. Ultraviolet (UV) is the major cause of skin cancers
90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas have been linked to exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. Early sun exposure, particularly frequent sunburns as a child, can also increase your skin cancer risks.
2. Not all skin cancers are caused by the sun
Conditions that weaken the immune system such as immune suppression therapy associated with organ transplantation and exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic, industrial tar and coal also increase the risk of skin cancer. Having a family history will also increase your risk of developing the disease.
3. Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body
Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body including eyes, scalp, nails, feet, mouth, and other places that are not exposed to the sun.
4. Practice being sun safe
Sunscreen protects against sunburn as well as harmful ultraviolet rays that can wreak havoc on your skin on cloudy, overcast or winter days when there is no sunshine. It’s good to use sunscreen every day – even during the winter months.
5. Avoid indoor tanning salons
UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Even one indoor tanning session can increase users’ risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67% and basal cell carcinoma by 29%.
6. Regular skin checks are key
Regular checks by a doctor or nurse specialist, especially if you have a large number of moles or other risk factors, is key. Also, knowing your body and what is the norm for you will aid in early diagnosis. You can find more information on who and where you can go for skin check by using this link www.cancercouncil.com.au
7. Kids can get skin cancer too
Melanoma accounts for up to 3% of all pediatric cancers. The treatment of childhood melanoma is often delayed due to the misdiagnosis of pigmented lesions, which occurs up to 40% of the time.
8. Cutting-edge research is helping us attack skin cancer head-on
Studies have been conducted to develop an imaging technique that may revolutionize cancer surgeries and be particularly helpful with treatments for skin cancers, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM – the most aggressive brain tumor) and with breast lumpectomies. This new technology allows surgeons to assess the margins of their surgeries as they are being conducted to see if the cancer cells have been removed. This could eliminate or dramatically reduce local tumor recurrence.
SustainHealth place our candidates in some of the hottest and most remote communities in the country, we want all of our staff members to stay safe in the sun.
We would happy to provide you with our free Outback Brochure to help you to learn more about sun safety and working remotely.
To request your copy, please contact:
Cara Cole
Compliance & Office Manager
Complianceteam@sustainhr.com.au
Call 02 8274 4687