Why is the rate of skin cancer is higher in Australia than in other parts of the world?

The problem with Australia is that the continent receives higher UV radiation levels than Europe. “Being located close to the ozone hole over the Antarctic means that much higher, more severe levels of UV radiation get through to ground level,” says Dr Hasanien.

What is one reason why the rate of skin cancer in Australia is so high?

Skin cancers (including both melanomas and non-melanomas) result from skin damage by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which accounts for at least 95\% of all skin cancers in Australia. Australia experiences high levels of UVR, resulting from the reduction in their ozone layer since the 1970s.

Which people are more likely to get skin cancer?

Skin cancer is more common in fair skinned people because they have less of the protective pigment called melanin. People with darker skin are less likely to get skin cancer. But they can still get skin cancer. Darker skinned people are particularly at risk of skin cancer where the body has less direct sun exposure.

Is skin cancer increasing or decreasing in Australia?

Skin cancer is a major cause of illness in Australia The age-standardised incidence rate of melanoma has increased from 27 cases per 100,000 in 1982 to 49 per 100,000 in 2016.

Is skin cancer the most common cancer in Australia?

Skin cancer is one of Australia’s most common cancers, with data showing almost a million cases of skin cancer in 2015. Skin cancer is primarily caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, causing DNA damage to skin cells.

Does Australia have the highest rate of skin cancer?

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older. The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.

How common is skin cancer in Australia?

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. About 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

Where is skin cancer most common?

8 Most Common Places to Get Skin Cancer

• Face. It shouldn’t be a surprise that your face is the most common place for skin cancer to develop.
• Scalp. Most skin cancers on the scalp occur in balding men.
• Ears.
• Neck.
• Hands.
• Chest and Back.
• Legs.
• Palms of Hand, Soles of Feet, and Nail Beds.

How prevalent is skin cancer in Australia?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. About two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Almost 980,000 new cases of BCC and SCC are treated each year. BCC can develop in young people, but it is more common in people over 40.

What is the most common skin cancer in Australia?

Non-melanoma skin cancers, now called keratinoctye 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.