Cowra Shire residents have some of the highest rates of skin cancer across the state, according to new data released by the Cancer Institute of New South Wales.
Adjusted for rates of diagnosis per 100,000, the average rate of skin cancers in Cowra is the 11th highest in New South Wales, and third only to Bogan and Tenterfield for rates of skin cancer off the coast.
Ballina ranked the highest overall for rates of cancer per 100,000, followed by Bogan and Mid-Coast Councils.
The data comes as new research from the Cancer Institute of New South Wales, in partnership with the NSW Government, has revealed that 1 in 16 people will be diagnosed with melanoma by 85 across the state, with melanoma ‘hotspots’ being found in local government areas including Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Mid-Western Regional.
New South Wales Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, said two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime, a crucial reminder to protect our skin from a young age.
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“In NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year and even short bursts of exposure to the sun can be deadly,” Prof. O’Brien said.
“Whether you’re going to the beach or hanging the washing or walking to the shops or train station, I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to safeguard themselves from harmful UV radiation from the sun.”
Director of the National Centre for Farmer Health and Associate Professor at Deakin University, Alison Kennedy, said more work needed to be done to reach regional and rural communities, with more accessible healthcare and programs to prevent skin cancers.
“While there is often an assumption that farmers are not interested in their health, we have found that if health services are accessible and designed to be relevant for farmers that they will engage. This includes providing farmer-focussed health checks and screening opportunities at events where farmers are already present (e.g. Field days and agricultural events) and ensuring that health service providers have a strong understanding of life and work in a farming community,” she said.
“We know this enhances engagement and ensures that known farmer health risks, like skin cancer, can be effectively addressed.”
Long-term research conducted by the NCFH found that farmers can be reluctant to seek health advice proactively, delaying care until after the busiest seasons are wrapped up. But A/Prof Kennedy said there are many ways to help reduce the risk until an appointment at a GP or skin clinic opens up.
“We (NCFH) would advocate that prevention is always highest priority. We know that farmers are often reluctant to use (or reapply) sunscreen as recommended given they are often working in hot dusty environments. Sweat, dust and freshly applied sunscreen can be a sticky mix!. But encouraging them to wear hats, preferably broad-brimmed, long sleeves and sunglasses is a good alternative. Just like farmers maintain their machinery, they also need to make a conscious effort to maintain their own health,” she said.
“Scheduling an annual skin check into the farming calendar is achievable, especially if this is combined with an annual health check-up to keep an eye on other known farmer health risks such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.”
An estimated 1 in 16 people in New South Wales will be diagnosed with melanoma by age 85, with the average age of diagnosis being 68. Ally Hamer, Skin Cancer Prevention Programs Lead at Cancer Council NSW said sun safety isn’t just for home, but crucial at work under the sun.
“Those that work in the outdoors are a high risk group of developing skin cancer as they receive up to ten times more exposure to UV (Ultraviolet) radiation from the sun compared to those that work indoors. Farmers, animal [and] horticultural workers are among the industries especially at risk,” she said.
“All businesses must protect their workers by providing a safe working environment free of health risks - including taking proper steps to reduce overexposure to UV radiation for workers. “
Ms Hamer recommended risk assessments in the workplace, sun protection policies and a culture of sun-safety to help reduce the risk of skin cancers.
Ninety-five per cent of melanomas, and a further ninety-nine per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. Nearly all skin cancers can be prevented with proper sun protection.
The most effective defence against UV radiation is to follow these five key steps before leaving the house:
Slip on protective clothing
Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be applied 20 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applied every two hours.
Slap on a wide brimmed hat
Seek shade
Slide on sunglasses.
Cancer Council 13 11 20 is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run to support all those impacted by, or wanting to understand more about, cancer. Specially trained staff are available to answer your questions about cancer and offer emotional and practical support.
