Sun Safe Golf Lifestyle: Did you know?
Skin cancer is the result of skin cells that have been damaged due to over-exposure to the sun. There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma – Begins in the lower layer of the epidermis and grows slowly when compared with Melanomas.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Begins in the upper layer of the epidermis and grows quickly but is not as dangerous as the Melanoma.
- Melanoma – The most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Far from being a rare occurrence, skin cancer is a very common affliction which affects a large number of people each year.
According to the Cancer Council of Australia:
- Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.
- 750,000 people are treated for melanomas each year.
- Melanoma is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Australians.
For further information, please see the Cancer Council of Australia's website at:
http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html
The prevalence of this scourge is why we have developed Sunsafe Golf Apparel with a UV rating certification of 30+. Many of the golf shirts currently on the market do not have this rating, and it's our goal to both raise awareness of the importance of sun safety and provide the tools to do so.
So, what actions should you include in your sun safe golf routine?
Sun Safe Golf Lifestyle: Actions to take
- Make sure you wear sun protective clothing, as you can still damage your skin by exposing it to the sun through your clothing.
- Use SPF30+ sun screen when you are out on the course and allow 20 mins before you start playing.
- Wear a hat that protects your face neck and ears (this may be difficult for some of the style conscious among you....)
Taking the steps above will significantly reduce your risk of contracting skin cancer while you are out there improving your game. It's possible to have fun in the sun and smash it out there on the course while still taking care of your skin. You've only got one body after all!