Autumn Cancer Prevention Tips:

  • 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.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

In Australia, Colorectal Cancer is estimated to be the 3rd most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and the 2nd leading cause of death. New cases of Colorectal Cancer have increased from 6,988 in 1982 to over 15,494 in 2020.

This March we aim to raise awareness of Colorectal Cancer and to build support for more research to improve treatments and ultimately better outcomes for those diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer.

At Ballarat Surgicentre we are fundraising for the week of March 17th to 21st, we are accepting donations at Reception. During the week Surgicentre staff will be wearing blue ribbons in recognition of this importance cause.

Colorectal cancer at a glance

  • Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia
  • On average, your risk of being diagnosed is about 1 in 13, although this varies widely according to individual risk factors
  • 93% of bowel cancers occur in people aged 50 or over, however incidence in Australians aged 20-39 has been increasing since the mid-1990’s
  • If you were born in the 1990s, you have double the risk of colon cancer and, four times the risk of rectal cancer than those born in 1950
  • Patients who are diagnosed with colon cancer often do not have any symptoms

CONQUERING SKIN CANCER

We are supporting the premiere of ‘Conquering Skin Cancer’  featuring Hugh Jackman which will be screened at the Showbiz Cinema in Ballarat on the 4th February 2025.

The 4th of February is World Cancer Day, on this day Jimmy’s Allsorts are launching their 2025 fundraising campaign. It is time for us to stop and reflect on all of those who have experienced a cancer fight and to recommit ourselves to beating this hideous disease. 

The Ballarat Surgicentre has kindly donated $500 to this worthy cause. If you would like to donate or to purchase tickets, please click the link below and go to events for movie tickets or the donate now tab. 

Jimmys Allsorts Murray to Moyne 2025 | Home

 

 

Welcome to 2025!

As we welcome the new year, we need to remember that this period is a crucial time to be SunSmart. In Australia, we’re exposed to some of the harshest and most dangerous levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world, and need to protect ourselves properly to avoid sunburn, heatstroke and skin cancer.

Always remember to:

  • Slip – on clothing that creates a barrier between you and the sun.
  • Slop – on SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
  • Slap – on a wide brim, bucket or legionnaire hat, that covers as much of your face and skin as possible.
  • Seek – shade wherever possible. Sitting under a tree, finding an umbrella or shade structure is a great way to protect your skin.
  • Slide – on a pair of sunglasses that are large enough to fully cover your eyes and can provide sun protection from all angles.

Also remember to check the daily UV index rating, which can be found on the SunSmart website and app. UV radiation is the most dangerous form of energy as it causes sunburn, cell damage and skin cancer. The fact that we cannot see it or feel it means we should be especially cautious and always check the UV index daily.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

 

 

As 2024 comes to a close, the Ballarat Surgicentre team would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our lovely patients and their families for another wonderful year.

It has been a pleasure caring for all our patients, and we look forward to seeing what exciting things 2025 brings.

We would like to wish everyone a very safe and festive Christmas and New Year, and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!

 

Sincerely,

The Ballarat Surgicentre team

“Canteen” Bandanna Day 2024

The Ballarat Surgicentre took part in the October event with staff and  patients sporting colourful bandannas in different ways, all in aid of raising money for Children and Young Adults affected by Cancer.

The total of $271 was raised so thank you to everyone who took part.

We look forward to taking part in 2025!

Sun Smart Tradies

Cancer Council and the Australian Government are urging tradies to protect themselves against the sun as new data from YouGov reveals they aren’t being SunSmart on the job. This is despite receiving between five and ten times the UV exposure of indoor workers.

This free SunSmart Tradie Toolbox has been developed for:

  • Employers or site managers to easily downloaded and displayed next to safety signage across job sites.
  • Tradespeople to refer to before they head on to job sites and throughout the day

Sun exposure can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the skin and eyes. Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the leading cause of skin cancer in Australia.

Despite spending a lot of time outdoors, not all tradies are using all five forms of sun protection – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. Results from YouGov’s consumer survey show that nearly a quarter (24%) rarely wear sunscreen during the summer months and almost half (46%) rarely applying it during winter months. Yet, almost six in 10 (58%) Aussie tradies know colleagues in the industry who have had skin cancer

Working Outdoors – UV Risk – Asessment Tool | Cancer Council

What is non-melanoma skin cancer?

Non-melanoma skin cancers, now called keratinocyte cancers, are the most common cancers in Australia, however most are not life-threatening.

There are two main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

BCC accounts for about 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It begins in the lower layer of the epidermis (top, outer layer of the skin). It can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly develops on parts of the body that receive high or intermittent sun exposure (head, face, neck, shoulders and back).

SCC accounts for about 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It begins in the upper layer of the epidermis and usually appears where the skin has had most exposure to the sun (head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs). SCC generally grows quickly over weeks or months.

A third group of lesions called keratinocyte dysplasia’s includes solar keratosis, Bowenoid keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma in-situ (Bowen’s disease). These are not invasive cancers, however may require treatment as some may develop into non-melanoma skin cancers.

 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) signs and symptoms

BCC often has no symptoms and tends to grow slowly without spreading to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of BCC can include:

  • a pearly lump
  • a scaly, dry area that is shiny and pale or bright pink in colour

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) signs and symptoms

Symptoms of SCC may include:

  • thickened red, scaly spot
  • rapidly growing lump
  • looks like a sore that has not healed
  • may be tender to touch

Donate to Daffodil Day in August

Cancer Councils annual Daffodil Day this year is Thursday, 22nd August. This is Cancer Councils most iconic and much-loved fundraising campaign but you can get involved and help support this special day any time throughout the month of August. Almost 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, so it takes all of us to give hope for better treatments and better outcomes. In 2023, Australians gave a bunch for Daffodil Day, raising $2.5 million towards lifesaving cancer research. By donating to Daffodil Day this year you’re helping to create change for people affected by cancer.

Fundraise for Daffodil Day www.daffodilday.com.au/fundraising

 
1. Register to fundraise
 
2. Plan your event
 
3. Have fun and raise funds

Supporting Bowel Cancer Awareness

For the month of June, the Ballarat Surgicentre was proud to participate in the Bowel Cancer Awareness event by promoting healthy eating and swapping to fibre rich foods.

Bowel Cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer. The recommendations for Australian adult fibre levels are 25 grams per day for women and 30 grams per day for men.

By eating a combination of wholegrains, beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables and avoiding highly processed foods, you can increase your fibre intake.

Staff and patients raised $86.05 by purchasing the $2 Red Apple ribbons on Red Apple Day – June 19.

Visit the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating for serving sizes, food groups and high fibre recipe meals at bowelcanceraustralia.org