Cancer Council campaign urges Victorian men to take care of their skin in the sun as temperatures soar
Men are being urged to be sun smart this summer as shocking new statistics reveal the dire consequences of failing to do so.
South East
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Two thirds of Victorian men admit to not using sunscreen regularly, with a study finding them twice as likely to be diagnosed with a melanoma.
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in Victoria, with new research finding that men living in regional areas of the state are most at risk - they are being diagnosed at a 44 per cent higher rate than men in larger cities and metropolitan areas.
It comes as men are being encouraged to use all five forms of sun protection in order to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer as part of a new campaign from SunSmart.
Cancer Council Victoria’s head of SunSmart Emma Glassenbury said the campaign called on men to take sun protection seriously to ensure they were around for their family’s futures.
“Males are twice as likely to die from melanoma than women. We want Victorian men to protect their skin by using all five forms of sun protection,” Ms Glassenbury said.
“Just as you would protect your family, property or belongings, using sun protection including protective clothing, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and seeking shade are the essential steps everyone should take to protect their health against skin cancer and to be there for their loved ones.”
New research shows that just 35 per cent of Victorian men use sunscreen regularly while 51 per cent seek shade when the UV level is three or above.
Melanoma is primarily caused by overexposure to UV radiation. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt, so the level of damage is often unknown until it is too late.
Chance of melanoma can be significantly reduced if all five forms of sun protection are used, including using waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ or higher, wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, wearing a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck, wearing sunglasses with the Australian Standard for UV protection and lastly seeking shade when the UV level is higher than three.
The Cancer Council Victoria encouraged all Victorians to check their local UV level through their weather apps, on The Bureau of Meteorology’s website, or via the free SunSmart app.
Learn more about UV and sun protection here.
gemma.scerri@news.com.au
