Why does Australia have the highest skin cancer rate in the world? Is this related to the climate, specifically the ozone layer as people think? Or is there any other reason? Let’s find out together.
The Skin Cancer Rate In Australia
The Australian skin cancer story started about 200 years ago, in 1788. It was the first time fair-skinned Europeans set foot on Sydney Harbour.
2 out of 3 Australians will be interpreted with some kind of skin cancer before their 70s. The possibility of having skin cancer is higher in men than in women. Also, men have to face a higher risk of mortality, about 69%, compared with women.
Who Is At Risk For Skin Cancer?
Unfortunately, every Australian is potentially at risk of having skin cancer. There are many common symptoms to prove that you’re at risk of developing this kind of cancer.
For example, the most notable thing is having lots of freckles or moles. And when you’re exposed to sunshine, your fair skin is easily burnt and doesn’t tan. Other factors are related to genetics such as having light-colored eyes or hair, family members with a history of skin cancer, etc.
Spending lots of time exposed to the sun, even if you have applied sunscreen, is also another reason that puts you at skin cancer risk.
Common Skin Cancer Types In Australia
The most common skin cancer type in Australia is keratinocytes. In 2014, doctors received about a million keratinocyte skin cancer cases. In 2015 there were around 633 keratinocyte skin cancer that led to mortality.
Another common cancer in Australia when it comes to skin cancer is melanoma. The statistics ò the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Cancer Statistics revealed that more than 13,000 Australians had melanoma in 2015. The specific number is 4,704 women and 7,990 men. This fact has made melanoma the 4th most common cancer in Australia.
Why Does Australia Have Such A High Skin Cancer Rate?
This is because largely of the climate. The location of the continent is too close to the equator. It leads to the fact that Australians have to suffer high UV radiation levels throughout the year. And their fair skin cannot afford such harsh conditions.
Also, their social attitudes and love for the outdoors contribute greatly to their risk of having skin cancer.
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