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: 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. Genetics play a role in skin cancer too! Now, the history lesson: migration patterns are also responsible for a high number of skin cancer cases in Australia. Hundreds of years ago, the genetic makeup of people corresponded with their environment. Nowadays people’s skin pigmentation is often no longer suited to their surroundings, especially in Australia.