Aussies live in the sun. It’s no surprise then, that regular skin checks for Australians need to be a priority. Whether young, old, male, female, everyone should consider the following information provided by Cancer Council Australia to help understand why it’s so important to get a skin check when you’re from down under!
Skin Cancer in Australia vs Other Countries
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that in 2020, Australia had the highest age-standardised melanoma incidence rate (36.6 for 10,000, standardised to World population) and the equal sixth highest mortality rate (2.4 per 100,000) of melanoma in the world.”
In 2020 the Australian mortality for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer was a total of 2,123. With readily available healthcare provided to Australians around the country these figures are unsettling at best. In an effort to considerably lower the number of people being treated late, and/or dying from skin cancer, keeping up with regular skin checks should be taken seriously by all Australians.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, in fact the total number of skin cancers removed annually from the Australian community is greater than all the other cancers put together. And accounts for approximately 80% of cancers in Australia. The incidence has been increasing markedly over the past 30 years.” (Please see: ‘Qutis – Services’ https://qutis.com.au/services/)
Results following diagnosis and treatment for skin cancer are better, the sooner they are dealt with. The risk of development of skin cancer can also be managed and reduced. At Qutis we want to help you to have the best possible results in preventing, detecting and managing all types of skin cancer and pre-cancerous skin damage. We are convinced early assessment with change your outcome for the better.
UV Levels in Australia
“Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world – in fact, UV radiation is strong enough to cause sunburn in as little as 11 minutes on a fine summers day.”
Thus, the staggering figures that reflect the incidence rate of skin cancer in Australia come at no surprise. Especially when 95% of melanomas are caused by UV radiation.
Further, Cancer Council tells us “In Australia, peak daily values in summer are regularly in excess of 12-14, and can reach 16-17 at more northern latitudes.” In fact “UV index at solar noon is generally in the range 0-12 and values above 11 are considered extreme.” To put that into perspective sunscreen is recommended for UV levels of 3 and greater.
Skin checks for Australians
If you’re not yet convinced, we urge you to visit the links below for more information and statistics on skin cancer in Australia. Ask your GP and skin check doctor for info on how regularly you need to have appointments. And call to book your skin check with Qutis today! We look forward to seeing you, happy and healthy, for your appointment in Geelong.
Sources : https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/uv-index https://wiki.cancer.org.au/skincancerstats/UV_radiation https://wiki.cancer.org.au/skincancerstats/Skin_cancer_incidence_and_mortality#:~:text=The%20International%20Agency%20for%20Research,of%20melanoma%20in%20the%20world. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer/causes-of-skin-cancer
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