Facts & Figures:

• 2 of every 3 Australians will be diagnosed by the age of 70
• Melanoma is the most common cancer diagnosed in young people aged 15 to 39
• Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer
• Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common cancers in Australia and include two main types: Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) – 30% of all non-melanoma skin cancers & Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – 70% of all non-melanoma skin cancers
• The annual cost of treating skin cancer is $1.2 billion +
• We are the global skin cancer capital. Australia has the highest per capita rates of skin cancer in the world

Prevention:

The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Early detection:

• Most skin cancers that appear on the skin can be seen with the naked eye. The best way to find them is to self-examine your skin regularly, with a complete head-to-toe skin
• See a GP or dermatologist for a comprehensive skin exam before you begin self-exams so that a baseline of “normal” can be established.  From that point on, you can watch for changes.
• When you check your skin, note your mole patterns, freckles, and other spots.  Take photos, which will help you notice changes over time. 
• You will need a full-length mirror, a hand-held mirror, a hair dryer, a chair to sit on, and a well-lit area.
• Since you will need to remove all clothing, a good time to do your exam is prior to a shower or bath.
• Since some parts of your body, such as your back and your scalp, are difficult to see, ask your partner, family member or friend to help. 
• In men, melanoma is most often found on the torso, head, and neck.
• In women, melanoma is most often found on the lower legs and torso.

Role of photography:

With the advent of smartphones, digital photography is now on everyone’s fingertips. Having a record of change through photographs may help a doctor to understand if a mole is new or changing, which are all potential signs of melanoma.

Change tends to occur month by month.

You can then take these photographs to a GP or dermatologist when you have concerns about a particular spot or when it is time for you to have a skin check.

A photographic record is particularly helpful if you have a lot of moles on your skin and if there is a family history of melanoma. Having such photographs can also assist in reducing the number of unnecessary mole removals because, if the mole or spot in question has not changed over several years, it is unlikely to be a skin cancer at the time it is being checked against the photograph.

UV is a form of energy produced by the sun. The sun produces different types of energy:

• Visible light – which we can see as sunlight.
• Infrared radiation – which we feel as heat.
• UV radiation – which we cannot see or feel.

UV radiation is often confused with infrared radiation. The temperature, however, does not affect UV radiation levels. UV radiation can be just as high on a cool or even cold day as it is on a hot one, especially if skies are clear. Thick cloud provides a good filter, but UV radiation can penetrate thin cloud cover. And while UV radiation is higher in summer than in winter, it is still present every day of the year.

There are three types of UV radiation, categorised by wavelength: UVA, UVB and UVC.

• UVA can cause sunburn, DNA (cell) damage in the skin and skin cancer.
• UVB causes skin damage and skin cancer. Ozone stops most UVB from reaching the earth’s surface, about 15% is transmitted.
• UVC is the most dangerous type of UV. Ozone in the atmosphere absorbs all UVC and it does not reach the earth’s surface.

UV levels are affected by a number of factors including geographic location, altitude, time of day, time of year and cloud cover. This means that UV levels are higher in some parts of Australia than others even on the same day.

Want to stay healthy during this cold and flu season?

A few simple steps will help you make it through the cold, wet and windy weather:

• Wash your hands.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Have your flu shot.
• Hydrate.
• Get enough sleep.
• Stay away from people who are unwell.

Research shows that sunscreen is effective in preventing skin cancer, including the most serious type,melanoma.

Even when wearing a hat, sunscreen is still needed to help protect from scattered and reflected UV reaching delicate areas of the face, neck and ears and other parts of skin not covered by clothing.

Price is not an indication of UV protection – all regulated sunscreens when applied correctly should help protect the skin. Choose a formula that best works for you – one in your price range that you like and are happy to reapply.

There are two types of active ingredients in sunscreen, each protect the skin in a different way.
~ UV absorbers absorb UV
~ UV reflectors (such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) scatter UV.
Some sunscreens use a combination of UV absorbers and UV reflectors.

Reactions to sunscreen occur in a very low proportion of the population – fewer than 1% of all users.
If sensitivities occur, try a sensitive or toddler sunscreen. The widespread use of sunscreen on babies under the age of six months is not
recommended

Keep sunscreen stored below 30 degrees. If it overheats, the ingredients can separate and may no longer be effective.

Source –  Sun Smart Website www.sunsmart.com.au

The Ballarat Surgicentre team went PINK in the name of Breast Cancer Network Australia. We had merchandise in reception for sale and the Ballarat Surgicentre patients were so generous in donating to this wonderful cause. The staff enjoyed some delicious treats throughout the week that were of a PINK theme. 

Total raised from the event was $879.50. What an incredible achievement by all involved. Thank you to all staff and patients for their generosity in making this event and fundraiser successful. 

The doctors and staff are wearing Pink Socks to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Australia and support those in our community affected by breast cancer.

Patients are also encouraged to participate by wearing a touch or pink to their appointment during this time. A small box is in reception for anyone wanting to also make a donation.

Breast Cancer Network Australia provide information and support to the 20,000 Australians expected to be diagnosed this year alone. For more information on the great work done they do, please visit their website Breast Cancer Network Australia

Photo: Nurse Sally, Glenda (patient), Dr Crouch, Fiona (patient).

UV radiation is more intense at high altitudes, there is almost 10 per cent more UV than at sea level.

On a sunny day, clean fresh snow can reflect as much as 88 per cent of UV. You get almost a double dose of UV – directly from the sun and indirectly when it is scattered and reflected by the snow.

Tips for sun protection at the slopes include:

• Applying SPF30+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours (put a small tube of sunscreen in your jacket pocket or bag).
• Protecting your eyes by wearing goggles or wrap around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard.
• Covering your head and ears and wearing tops with long sleeves and a high neck or collar.
• Trying to have a break by getting inside or under shade during the middle part of the day.

For more information on skin cancer, vitamin D and sun protection go to www.sunsmart.com.au.

Welcome to Winter

https://www.womensweekly.com.au/beauty/skincare/dry-skin-in-winter/

• Apply sunscreen –with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher.  Make sure it evenly covers all exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
• Always wear a lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher – lips are very sensitive.
• Cover your head – it will protect your scalp and help keep you warm.
• Sunglasses that offer 99 percent or greater UV protection and have wraparound or large frames will protect your eyes, eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, which are common sites for skin cancers and sun-induced aging.