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Sun safety
Queensland has the highest incidence of malignant melanoma and non-melanocytic (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) skin cancer in the world (Health of Queenslander Report 2008).
Skin cancer is Australia's most common cancer, responsible for about 80% of all newly diagnosed cases, where most of these are non-melanocytic. Queensland has the highest incidence of malignant melanoma and non-melanocytic (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) skin cancer in the world. Queenslanders also record some of the highest levels of sunlight and ultra violet (UV) radiation in Australia, placing our population at greatest risk of developing skin cancer (Strategic Directions for Cancer Prevention & Control 2008-2011).
Queensland Incidence of Melanomas, 2005:
| New cases |
1553 |
117 |
2724 |
| Deaths |
185 |
311 |
496 |
Unlike many other types of cancer, the cause of skin cancer is both known and preventable. Skin damage (including skin cancer) is the result of cumulative exposure to UV radiation generated through natural and artificial sources (eg solaria). Epidemiology evidence suggests that exposure to UV radiation from sunlight is the primary risk factor in the development of skin cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable, as severe sunburn in childhood contributes to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage (eg solar keratoses, blemishes and premature ageing).
Skin Cancer Background Information
Skin cancer is predominantly caused by long-term regular exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. UVR can lead to abnormal growth of skin cells. If these abnormal cells are not destroyed by the body's natural defence systems, skin cancers may develop. Check your own skin regularly and if you notice a change in size, shape or colour to any spots on your skin, have them checked by your doctor.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- basal cell carcinoma (most common form of skin cancer, 75%);
- squamous cell carcinoma (20% of all skin cancers); and
- melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer, 5%).
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, and is responsible for 75% of all skin cancers. BCCs normally appear as a lump or scaling area that is red, pale or pearly in colour. A BCC normally grows slowly, appearing on the head, neck or upper body. They may become ulcerated and can be identified as a spot that won’t heal. About half of BCCs recur after five years.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) normally appears as a thickened red, scaly spot that may bleed easily or ulcerate. SCCs usually grow slowly over months and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. They appear on sites most often exposed to the sun. SCCs make up about 20% of all skin cancers. About half of SCCs recur after five years.
Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas can be either flat or nodular. Flat melanoma may develop nodular areas as they develop. Melanomas appear as a new spot or an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes colour, size or shape. A melanoma is generally more than one colour and has an irregular outline. They grow over weeks to months and can appear anywhere on the body. Melanomas make up about 5% of all skin cancers.
There are also other spots that are not skin cancer, but may act as warning signs.
- Dysplastic Naevi appear as flat, fairly large moles, anywhere on the body. They are characterised by irregular borders and uneven colour with multiple shades of brown to pink. Dysplastic Naevi are an indication that a person is more prone to melanoma.
- Solar Keratoses appear as red, flattish, scaly areas that may sting if scratched. They are a warning sign that a person is more prone to developing skin cancer.
- Seborrhoeic Keratosis have a very distinct edge and frequently sit on top of the skin. The colour varies from pale skin through to orange and black. Their size can be from a few millimetres up to two centimetres.
- Moles are evenly coloured, may be raised and have clear edges. They are usually circular or oval in shape.
- Freckles are harmless coloured spots that range in size from one to ten millimetres. They indicate that the sun has damaged the skin.
Check your own skin regularly and if you notice a change in size, shape or colour to any spots on your skin, have them checked by your doctor.
Anyone in Australia can develop skin cancer but risk is increased for people who:
- are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during childhood and adolescence;
- have repeated exposure to UVR over their lifetime;
- have episodes of severe sunburn;
- have a light complexion (red or fair hair; blue or green eyes; skin that burns easily, freckles and doesn’t tan);
- are older;
- have a had a previous non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC);
- have a personal or family history of melanoma;
- have a large number of moles;
- have unusual types of moles (eg dysplastic naevus); and
- are immunosuppressed (including organ transplant recipients).
What can you do to prevent skin cancer?
Always prepare for exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun when going outdoors, even for a brief period of time, by undertaking multiple sun protective behaviours.
Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviours:
| Hat |
Put on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face and neck |
| Clothing |
Wear sun protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible |
| Shade |
Seek shade |
| Sunglasses |
Wear wrap-around sunglasses |
| Sunscreen |
Apply SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen every two hours |
| Skin checks |
Check your own skin regularly and if you notice a change in size, shape or colour to any spots on your skin, have them checked by your doctor |
| Avoid 10 am - 3 pm |
Avoid going outdoors unprotected between 10 am and 3 pm when ultraviolet radiation is the strongest |
Additional notes:
- Sunscreen is not adequate protection on its own and should not be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
- Sun beds and solaria also emit ultraviolet radiation, so be aware of the risks associated with tanning.
Sun Safety Initiatives by Logan City Council
1. Creation of shade structures and planting of shade trees. Target areas include:
- Playgrounds and picnic areas in parks;
- Dog off leash areas;
- Public swimming pools;
- Bus stops;
- Sport and recreation resources and facilities including walking and cycle paths; and
- Public buildings including, community centres, libraries, etc.
2. Healthy policy and program development, include:
- Planning scheme ie shade provision requirements;
- Logan Public Health Plan (Action 2.6.4 Sun Protection);
- Workplace Health & Safety policy directives, including PPE awareness; and
- Health promotion initiatives to increase participation in cancer screening and prevent skin cancer.
3. Workplace sun safety promotion, include:
- Staff inductions;
- Supervisor toolbox talks, Personal protective equipment awareness, workplace culture; and
- Healthy workplace setting initiatives for sun safety, such as sunscreen promotion and skin cancer screening.
Other Sun Safety Initiatives in Logan
- SunBusters program - Queensland Health
- Cancer Council Queensland - Cancer awareness, research and Relay for Life events
- Sun Safety in Schools
- Department of Education and Training
References
- National Cancer Prevention Policy 2007-2009, Australian Government
- Queensland Skin Cancer Prevention Strategic Plan 2008-2013, Public Health Forum
- Strategic Directions for Cancer Prevention and Control 2009-2012, Queensland Health, Toward Q2.
- Queensland Population Health Plan 2007-2012
- Queensland Sun Safe Survey 2005
- Workshop Report 2006 - Advances towards a Sun Smart State
- The Health of Queenslanders - Report of the Chief Health Officer
- Education Queensland - Sun Safety in Secondary Schools Guidelines.
- Department of Education and Training
Website Links
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