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Skin Cancer Prevention - How To Reduce The Risk

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Whether you're hitting up the beach or just out and about in the sun, you need to understand the impact of UV radiation and how to prevent skin cancer.

So, how often do you need to reapply your sunscreen? How do you protect yourself from those hazardous UV rays? What are the steps you need to take for maximum sun safety? In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to avoid dangerous levels of sun exposure.

Understanding Skin Cancer and UV Radiation

The statistics of skin cancer in Australia are sobering. It's the most commonly diagnosed cancer nationwide, with a staggering 95% of skin cancers linked directly to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The three main types of skin cancer diagnosed in Australia are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma.

UV rays, both UVA and UVB, are capable of damaging the DNA in our skin cells if they get the chance to penetrate. So, what's the difference between these types of UV rays?

  • UVA has a longer wavelength, accounting for the majority of radiation reaching us. It penetrates into the deeper skin layers, accelerating signs of ageing and causing wrinkles.
  • UVB is stronger, more energetic, and the prime culprit behind sunburn and skin cancer. It causes moles and other signs of skin damage, which can become cancerous.

Consistent sun protection is vital. Proper clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen use will form a defensive barrier, deflecting and absorbing UV radiation before it can inflict dangerous cellular damage.

With incidence rates among the highest globally, Australians can't afford to ignore our high risk of skin cancer. We need to treat sun safety as an everyday priority.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

woman applying sunscreen to her leg

While no one is completely exempt from the risk of skin cancer, certain factors can make some people more vulnerable than others.

It is important to be aware of your personal environmental risk level. With the right information, you can take the proper preventative measures that work best for you.

Genetics

Your genetic makeup and skin pigmentation play a major role. People who need to be especially vigilant about sun protection are those with:

  • Fair skin tones;
  • Light hair colours;
  • Light eye colours;
  • A family history of skin cancer.

Why these traits in particular? Unfortunately, lower levels of skin pigment provide less natural defence against UV radiation.

Geography

Australians are at a higher risk of skin cancer simply due to our country's proximity to the equator and our extremely high annual UV levels compared to other areas.

The higher north you live, the more likely you are to live in warmer conditions, but most regions of Australia are prone to extreme UV levels.

Lifestyle

An active, outdoorsy lifestyle is healthy but can come with an increased risk of sun damage if you're not careful. Outdoor hobbyists and professionals like construction workers, farmers, athletes and lifeguards rack up higher UV levels.

Spending a lot of recreational time in the sun — whether at the beach, on the golf course, or at a barbecue — also means you need to be diligent with your skincare.

Barrier Protection

Man with Sun Glasses and Sun smart shirt

While sunscreen is an essential part of your sun defence, it shouldn't be the only line of protection for your skin.

Creating physical barriers with appropriate clothing, hats, and sunglasses is an important first step in your sun-safe routine.

Sun-Safe Clothing

Covering up with proper sun-protective clothing is one of the simplest ways to minimise your UV exposure. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics with a tight weave or UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating to block out those harmful UV rays.

Wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes will shield your skin and complement a good layer of sunscreen.

Sun-Safe Accessories

Don't underestimate the importance of accessorising for sun safety. A wide-brimmed sun hat can greatly reduce the risk of UV levels reaching your face, neck, and ears.

The delicate skin around your eyes also needs shielding. Invest in a quality pair of sunglasses for adequate protection.

Protective clothing creates an actual physical barrier between your skin and the sun's radiation. Combined with properly applying sunscreen, it makes sure that you're not missing any exposed areas, maximising your UV defence.

A little preparation goes a long way in reducing your long-term risk of skin cancers.

Slap on Some Sunblock or Sunscreen

bottles of sunscreen

Some people aren't sure which sun protection product is right for them and their skin. There are chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens (known as sunblock). Each has its pros and cons.

Physical Sunscreen

Sunblocks, otherwise known as physical sunscreen, create a physical barrier on your skin to deflect UVB rays.

While this makes them ideal for intense sun exposure like beach days or outdoor events, the thicker, slightly white consistency can feel heavy — especially when you're sweating in the heat.

However, sunblock doesn't need to be reapplied as frequently as chemical sunscreens and provides stellar protection without any waiting period.

Chemical Sunscreen

Sunscreens rely on chemical absorbers to soak up UV radiation before it hits your skin. The non-greasy lotion is barely noticeable on your body and face.

Keep in mind that if you want an all-day defence, you'll need to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or even more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.

You should also wait around 30 minutes for your sunscreen to fully absorb before you head out into the sun.

Whatever product you choose, make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB with an SPF level of 30+ or higher (50+ is best).

Need help tracking when you should reapply? Try using UV monitoring stickers. They change colour to indicate your level of sun exposure and skin cancer risk.

With a little preparation for the day's activities, you can select the optimal sun protection product for your skin!

Always Plan Ahead

Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays requires more than just slathering on some sunscreen. It's about developing smart, sun-safe habits and planning your outdoor activities accordingly.

UV Levels

Pay close attention to the time of day you'll be outside. UV levels fluctuate and typically peak between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to seek areas in the shade or plan activities earlier or later in the day when possible.

The World Health Organization categorises UV levels from 0 (low) to 11+ (extreme). Once your local reading hits 3 or higher, you should take precautions, such as sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed sun hat. You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Consider downloading the SunSmart app to easily access UV forecasts and alerts for your location. This will help you schedule outdoor events during periods of lower radiation.

Skin Check

Most importantly, performing a regular self-examination and going to a doctor for a professional skin check are both vital for early detection of sun damage and skin cancer.

Be aware of any new moles or changes in existing spots like irregular shapes, colours, or rapid growth. If you notice anything suspicious, don't delay in seeing your doctor. Catching skin cancers early makes treatment much more effective.

Skin Cancer Prevention: A Lifetime Investment for Your Health

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With Australia's high rate of skin cancer, we need to prioritise sun safety to prevent skin cancer. Luckily, our country has one of the highest rates of accessibility to skin cancer care.

By understanding the risks, using quality sun protection methods, and staying vigilant through regular skin checks, you'll be making vital investments in your long-term health.

If you have any other questions about prevention, diagnosis, or detecting potential symptoms of skin cancer, our expert team at SunDoctors is here as your number-one source of cancer care, resources, and support.

The doctors at SunDoctors are the experts at checking your skin for signs of skin cancer. With skin cancer clinics across QLD, NSW, VIC & SA, make sure you book in to give both yourself and your family peace of mind, letting you and your loved ones get back to work and play that much sooner!

Call us on 13 SKIN (13 75 46) to book your appointment today!

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