Title: Why Is The Skin Cancer Rate Higher In Australia?
Headings: Why Is The Skin Cancer Rate Higher In Australia?
Why Is The Skin Cancer Rate Higher In Australia?
But why is Australia ranking near the top of the skin cancer list?
In both countries, the risk of people developing melanoma before the age of 75 is 1 in 24 for males and 1 in 34 for females.
Skin cancer in Australia
Ultraviolet radiation in Australia
Genetics play a role in skin cancer too!
Did you know…?
Note:

Content: Since 1970’s, a gradual depletion in the ozone layer has been noticed by scientists. This happens especially near the North and South Poles. As the ozone layer depletes, the atmosphere loses its protective filter and more of the dangerous UV radiation reaches the surface of our planet. This depletion is directly related to the growing number of skin cancer cases. Protection against UV radiation is individual responsibility as the main factors making people susceptible to developing melanoma are associated with sun exposure and a history of sunburn. Researchers estimate that a 10% decrease in the ozone layer will result in additional 300,000 non-melanoma and 4,500 melanoma skin cancer cases (www.who.int/). 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. During summer, the Earth’s orbit brings Australia closer to the sun (as compared to Europe during its summer), resulting in an additional 7% solar UV intensity. Coupled with our clearer atmospheric conditions, this means that Australians are exposed to up to 15% more UV than Europeans.