It’s a tough reality to face. For most of us, cancer will have a direct or indirect impact at some time in our lives. Today is World Cancer Day, a day to highlight and spread awareness of a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of Australians each year. In North Queensland, we are susceptible to an incredibly common form of cancer that can be very aggressive. In fact, it’s the second most common cancer diagnosis in North Queensland. This cancer is melanoma, so this World Cancer Day, make it your mission to prevent and address skin cancer in your household.
Skin cancer is an unavoidable reality in North Queensland
The Union for International Cancer Control believes that increasing understanding of cancer is the best way to change behaviours and attitudes towards cancer. We believe skin cancer is an unavoidable reality in North Queensland, and as such, we should do everything in our power to prevent and control skin cancer (through early diagnosis & effective treatment).
FAST FACTS:
- 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer before they turn 70.
- Melanoma is the second most common cancer in North Queensland for both males and females.
- Last year in Australia, almost 150,000 individuals were diagnosed with a form of cancer.
- Melanoma is a leading cause of cancer in Australia.
- 95% of skin cancer cases are caused by incidental sun exposure.
- Melanoma affects people of all ages, and melanoma rates among adolescents in Australia is the highest in the world
Our situation may seem quite dire, but we need not hide ourselves away and live in dark isolation from the sun! There are quick, easy and effective ways to reduce our chances of developing a deadly melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
OUR TOP TIPS
- Wear sunscreen daily. Okay, we know this can be a hassle, but daily sunscreen application has been shown to decrease the risk of developing a melanoma by 50%!
- Book your skin check. Don’t put it off! It’s so easy to fall into the habit of not getting your skin checked. Consulting with a skin doctor annually can be crucially important to diagnose potentially life-threatening skin cancer in its early stages. Depending on your risk factors, you may require more frequent checks – your doctor will be able to advise.
- Monitor your own skin. Seen any new moles lately? Noticed one has changed? Keeping track of your freckles, moles and sunspots can help pinpoint developing skin cancers before they turn deadly. Taking regular photos or enlisting the help of a loved one can help with tracking changes.
This World Cancer Day, make it a priority to reduce your own susceptibility to one of Australia’s most common cancers that can be deadly. Whether you have experienced cancer, or supported a loved one throughout their journey, we salute you. At Skin Repair Skin Cancer Clinic, it’s our mission to ensure North Queensland is educated, empowered and safe from all forms of skin cancer. In our region, skin cancer is simply an unfortunate reality we can’t ignore.
Find out more about #WorldCancerDay: https://www.worldcancerday.org
References
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/facts-and-figures
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer
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