Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in Australia, with over 21,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Australia in 2021 alone. The prevalence of skin cancer is also estimated to rise in the coming years due to a number of social and environmental factors. Fortunately, many cases of skin cancer are easily preventable when caught early and treated by a qualified skin cancer doctor.
However, vigilance is the key, and every Australian should be careful to not become complacent about protection from skin cancer, especially during the summer months. To highlight the seriousness of this issue, this article will go over three skin cancer facts that will shock you.
Skin Cancer is the Most Common Cancer in Australia
While Australia is blessed with warm, sunny weather all year round in some parts of the country, this constant exposure to the sun also brings with it an increased risk of skin cancer developing amongst Australians. So much so that skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Australia, with two in three Australians expected to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. While you may love to soak up the sun or spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s important to regularly check in with your local skin cancer doctor to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and increase the likelihood that it will be detected early.
Skin Cancer Accounts for Around 80% of All Newly Diagnosed Cancers in Australia
Due to the prevalence of skin cancer in Australia, it accounts for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia. This is staggering when you consider the different types of cancer out there. This also makes Australia an area with one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world – around two to three times the rates found in other regions like the UK, US and Canada. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time outdoors or aren’t often exposed to the sun, if you’re worried about developing skin cancer due to how common it is in the country, you can always consult with a skin cancer doctor and get the right advice to put your mind at ease.
Skin Cancer is the Most Preventable Type of Cancer
Although skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in Australia, it’s also the most preventable type of cancer. Countermeasures against developing skin cancer can include wearing long sleeve t-shirts, pants and hats when exposed to the sun, as well as using sunscreen on your skin with a minimum rating of SPF 30. You should also make an effort to seek shade on days when the UV index is particularly high. If your work or other commitments prevent you from protecting yourself from the sun fully, you should make an active effort to use sunscreen every day as well as cover your skin as much as possible. If you want more advice on preventative measures against skin cancer, you should speak to a qualified skin cancer doctor who can make recommendations based on your unique individual circumstances.