Sunny Days Smart Choices with GenesisCare
Being sun-smart isn’t just a habit – it’s a lifestyle. Melanie Rosettenstein gets the expert insights from leading GenesisCare radiation oncologist, Bradley Wong.
Living in Noosa comes with enviable perks—a warm, sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle. But with all that sunshine comes the responsibility to protect your skin. Australia has one of the world’s highest skin cancer rates, with two in three Australians likely to be diagnosed before turning 70. While most of us are familiar with the need for sun protection, understanding the types of skin cancer and how they’re treated is vital for staying sun safe.
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. There are three primary forms. Melanoma affects the cells that produce pigment called melanin that gives our skin its colour. This less common skin cancer form is considered the most aggressive because it’s likely to spread to other body parts. There are two types of non-melanoma skin cancers namely the Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). BCCs are the most common and are slow growing, starting in the basal cells of the skin’s epidermis and appearing as a pearl-coloured lump or shiny, scaly area on sun-exposed skin. SCCs start in the epidermis’ squamous layer and present as red, scaly or crusty spots that may bleed or become inflamed. They grow more quickly and like BCCs, occur on sun-exposed areas of the body. Both forms are treatable and less life threatening than other cancers.
“It’s important to regularly check your skin, and to keep an eye out for signs of skin cancer including a spot that looks and feels different from others on your skin, a sore that is itchy or bleeds, a sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks, and a spot that has changed size, shape, colour or texture,” explains GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr Bradley Wong.
“If you are concerned about any changes in your skin, it’s recommended to make an appointment with your GP or skin specialist. Generally, finding a skin cancer early can improve the chances of successful treatment.”
Treatment options for BCCs and SCCs vary depending on factors such as the cancer’s size, location, and the patient’s overall health. In addition to radiotherapy, options include surgery, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), curettage and electrodessication, photodynamic therapy and topical treatments. Increasingly, specialists are adopting a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best results, with GenesisCare offering advanced radiation therapy treatment for appropriate patients. Their dedicated Noosa clinical team works closely with a diverse network of local specialists to provide modern treatment techniques, technology and a contemporary service experience for patients.
Dr Wong says, “Sun exposure has been estimated to cause around 95% of melanoma cases, and approximately 99% of non-melanoma (keratinocyte) skin cancers in Australia. As the Cancer Council suggests, it’s important to slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide whenever the UV is three or above irrespective of the time of day or time of year.”
Using this failsafe method is key to protecting yours and your family’s skin, especially when the mercury and the UV index rises.
So, here’s a recap:
SLIP on sun protective clothing that covers your body. Make sure you choose lightweight, long-sleeved garments with a high UV protection.
SLOP on broad spectrum sunscreen every single day. It must have an SPF higher than 30 and be applied generously, at least 5mls per body part, 20 minutes before you go into the sun and every two hours thereafter.
SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, ears, neck and head. If you’re going into the water for an extended period, wear a surfing bucket hat.
SEEK shade during peak UV hours which are usually between 10am and 3pm. Remember that UV rays reflect off all types of surfaces so sunscreen is a must even if you’re under the Cool Cabana.
SLIDE on those sunnies that have UV protection against the glare.
Skin cancer doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With awareness, regular skin checks, and sun-smart habits, you can enjoy summer in Noosa, safely. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hiking in the hinterland, or just walking your dog, taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference. So, next time you grab your sunnies and sunscreen, remember – you’re not just protecting your skin, you’re investing in a healthier, brighter future.
Stay sun-safe, Noosa!
