Cancer Council research released Sunday, November 20 shows fewer NSW adults are using hats to protect themselves from the sun and getting sunburnt on their face, head, ears and nose as a result.
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The data from Cancer Council’s National Sun Protection Survey reveals that just 42 per cent of NSW adults wear a hat when exposed to UV on summer weekends, down from 47 per cent in 2003.
In light of the findings, Cancer Council and the Australasian College of Dermatologists have come together during National Skin Cancer Action week (20-26 November) to remind Australians to remember to be SunSmart and slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
“With 237 people in the Lower Mid North Coast expected to be diagnosed with melanoma this year, and 24 deaths expected, the results show that too few adults in NSW are understanding the importance of a combination of sun protection measures,” Tim Chapman, Cancer Council NSW Community Programs coordinator, Lower Mid North Coast said.
“A five per cent drop in hat usage over the past ten years may sound small, but any downward trend is a concern. This latest decrease shows that more than 240,000 people in NSW have stopped wearing a hat to protect themselves when exposed to UV on weekends.
“Fewer than 1 in 5 adults in NSW used three or more sun protection measures during summer, which is a real worry given the prevalence of skin cancer in NSW and across Australia,” continued Mr Chapman.
“Yet most skin cancers are preventable by the use of comprehensive sun protection. There can be a tendency for many Lower Mid North Coast adults to slop on some sunscreen and think they are protected all day long. But sunscreen isn’t a suit of armour. It should be your last line of defence – a hat, clothing, sunglasses and shade are also key to protecting your skin.”
The data also showed some worrying trends indicating that the lack of broad-brimmed hats was translating to the places on the body where people across Australia are sunburnt.
“The national research also shows that the face, head, nose, or ears are the most common places on the body that Australians get sunburnt, alongside the arms and hands,” Mr Chapman said.
“There’s no doubt that by neglecting a range of sun protection measures, including slapping on a broad-brimmed hat, all Aussies are putting themselves at risk of a potentially deadly skin cancer.”
Australasian College of Dermatologists' president, associate professor Chris Baker, said dermatologists regularly treated skin cancers that could have been easily prevented through proper sun protection.
“Dermatologists see a lot of skin cancers on the face, ears, head and neck” Mr Baker said.
“These skin cancers are particularly concerning because they can arise quickly and are more difficult to treat. Surgery is the most common treatment, with visible scarring often unavoidable. Other treatments include topical therapy for some early skin cancers through to radiotherapy and chemotherapy for more advanced cancers. Sadly we don’t always get them in time.”
He also urged Australians to keep a close eye on their skin, know what normal spots they have and to keep a watch for any changes.
“It’s important to remember that skin cancer can be prevented and, if detected early, can often be successfully treated. If you notice any changes in size, shape or colour of an existing spot, or the development of a new spot, you should get it checked as soon as possible."
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
