With summer only a few weeks away, we need to think about the skin we live in. 18-24 November is National Skin Cancer Action Week. During this week, Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists come together to remind us of the risks of UV radiation, the need for sun protection and early skin cancer detection for all Australians.
Sadly, more than 2000 people in Australia die from skin cancer each year. While by the age of 70, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer.
#OwnYourTone
This National Skin Cancer Action Week and throughout summer, the Cancer Council is encouraging us all to #OwnYourTone and to embrace our natural skin tone.
Using good sun protection can prevent most skin cancers. However, too many Australians still have what they consider a “healthy tan”. A tan is not a sign of good health or wellbeing. Consequently, tanning is a sign that we have been exposed to enough UV radiation to damage our skin.
As a result, UV radiation causes premature aging including sun spots, wrinkles, and sagging. Above all, it increases your risk of skin cancer.
What is skin cancer?
When skin cells are damaged, skin cancer occurs. An example of this is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are both known as non-melanoma skin cancer. Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australians.
Skin cancer symptoms
Talk with your doctor about your level of risk and advice for early detection. Likewise, it’s important to become familiar with the look of your skin. As a result, you can pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look out for the following:
- Any crusty, non-healing sores
- Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
- New spots, freckles, or any moles changing in colour, thickness, or shape over a period of weeks to months.
Protect your skin
During National Skin Cancer Action Week and throughout summer, use the five forms of sun protection and #OwnYourTone by:
- Slip-on sun-protective clothing
- Slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
It’s important to use a combination of these measures. Above all, getting to know your skin and regularly checking for any changes, are the keys to reducing your skin cancer risk.
Chiro & Sports Med
Our chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med are committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs, whether you are experiencing an irritated nerve, bulging disc, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension. You may be searching for pain relief after an accident or experiencing an injury. Our mission is to help reduce or eliminate pain and to prevent future problems and injury. Above all, we are here to improve your quality of life, well-being, and your ability to live an active healthy lifestyle.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of the chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med simply call our office on 9817 2005 and one of our friendly staff will organise an appointment for you.
