Informative statistics about melanoma in Australia
Melanoma occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells, caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure, triggers mutations that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours (Source: Skin Cancer Foundation). Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer (Source: SunSmart).
Melanoma in Australia:
More than 12,500 new cases are diagnosed, each year in Australia.
One Australian will die every six hours from melanoma (1,500 per year)
Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world.
Which age groups are most likely to be affected?
In 20–34 year-olds, melanoma kills more often than any other single cancer.
Melanoma is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15–39 years.
It is estimated that 1 in 17 Australians (5.5%) will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.
Younger people are now experiencing fewer melanomas than in previous generations, presumably because sun protection has greatly improved.
Melanoma makes up only 2.3% of all skin cancers but is responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths. (Source: Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc., Cancer Council)
If melanoma is detected early, it is almost always curable. Remember to check your skin every month and go to your Doctor immediately if you notice changes. Dermatologists and medical doctors recommend wearing SOLBARI UPF50+ sun protective clothing, UV resistant swimwear and sun hats for outdoor activities to help maintain a healthy and skin safe in the sun.
A visit to my doctor ended up with appointment to dermatologist who diagnosed Basal Cell Carcinomas. I have been told after having had them once, they will probably return, in the same area, so I check myself regularly.
This blog confirms that someone with more than 50 common moles is deemed higher risk of skin cancer and melanoma (Source: Yale Medicine). Also, someone who has more than 10 irregular moles is 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to the general population (Source: Cancer Foundation).
In this blog we explore if it is possible to get sun burnt through clothing. People don't realize that they are routinely exposed to the sun through their regular clothing. Dermatologists agree that the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to wear UPF 50+ sun protective clothing. UPF 50+ means that at least 98% of UV rays are blocked. UPF 50+ is the highest accreditation for sun protection achievable in the World.
