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Skin Cancer Facts - There are 3 types of skin cancer
 
1. Malignant melanoma (moles)
Common in Australia, USA and Canada and mainly due to recreational exposure - especially in children
There is no definite correlation with moles already present - 50-70% malignant melanomas are new lesions appearing - whereas about 1 in 1000 occur in moles already present - so look for changes.

Associated with: -
Chronic - occupational - working in the sun
Intermittent - recreational (weekends) sun exposure - i.e. surf patrols, boating, sports exposure
Cumulative - both
After approximately 70,000 hours exposure to sun the incidence rises very rapidly
If Family History of melanoma then 20 times risk of mole becoming a Malignant Melanoma;
If Personal history 10 times chance of another
If both Family and Personal history then 1200 times risk of Malignant Melanoma again.

Worse with Residence history (emigrants from fair lands - northern Hemisphere to Australia!)
Emigration after 10 -reduces risk by 1/3rd compared to emigration before age 10

Sunscreen is NOT effective at preventing this type of Cancer
You must use personal protection - hats, clothes, natural shade and avoiding midday sun. (10am-2pm)
UVA (part of Ultraviolet light from sun) is the main cause.

 

2. Basal Cell Cancer (Rodent ulcer)
No deaths from this type - they just get bigger and bigger. However, this is the most important skin cancer as most common and the most costly (treatment-wise).

Causes:
Intermittent exposure to sun (recreational - as above) - gives 4 times the risk
Cumulative total hours less important
Exposure from European races - there is 3 times the risk to those over 10 at start of exposure when they arrive in Australia.

Mainly UVB part of ultraviolet light from sun.
Sunburn does NOT give greater risk. For this type of skin cancer
Sunscreen is NOT effective at preventing this type of Cancer.

 

3. SCC - squamous cell cancer - like open sore

Chronic (recurrent long-term) exposure highly significant - 4 times normal
Cumulative - i.e. every single hour or part that you are in sun is added up!)
Approximately 70,000 hours exposure then the incidence rises very rapidly

Sunburn may be a risk but these are people often having a better sun exposure history
Mainly caused by the UVB part of ultraviolet light from sun.
Sunscreen IS effective at preventing this type of Cancer

N.B. Sunlamps
Causes all 3 skin cancers!!

NOTE - SPF cream 30 will give less SPF (Sun Protection Factor) unless applied properly!

 
 
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Occupational Health Mackay
Occupational Health Mackay