All NSW on red alert as Cancer Institute NSW identifies melanoma red-zones
People across NSW are urged to be on red-alert this summer when it comes to UV (ultra violet) exposure, as the Cancer Institute NSW’s Melanoma Red-Zone Map reveals communities with the highest rates of melanoma skin cancer.
The Cancer Institute NSW estimates 4,158 people from all corners
of the State will be diagnosed with life threatening melanoma in
2011. The Melanoma Red-Zone Map shows
'cancer red-zones' with above average rates of melanoma in Northern
NSW, Central Coast, Mid-North Coast, Hunter New England and
Northern Sydney.
NSW Melanoma red-zone map
You are welcome to replicate the map,
referencing Cancer Institute NSW.
Download a hi
resolution PDF version of the map, including full ranking of
Melanoma Red-Zones (from highest - lowest melanoma rate).
Please note: These rankings have been
based on the Standardised Incidence Ratio (SIR) value and do not
take into consideration the width of the associated confidence
intervals and therefore the accuracy of the calculated SIR
value.
The LGA's marked with an asterisk on the
map have SIR values greater than the NSW average. However, the SIR
value is based on small numbers and is therefore less
reliable.
Ballina (Northern NSW), Walcha (Hunter New England), Weddin
(Western NSW), Byron (Northern NSW) and Tweed Shire (Northern NSW)
have topped the list of Melanoma Red-Zone communities by
having the highest rates of the disease in the State. In Sydney,
Pittwater, Manly and the Sutherland Shire have the highest rates of
melanoma.
Whilst the map indicates areas with the highest incidence rates,
the Cancer Institute NSW says every person across the state needs
to be vigilant about sun safety this summer.
"The Melanoma Red-Zones indicate the communities
suffering significantly higher rates of melanoma than the rest of
the State. Skin cancer follows the sun, so we are seeing an
increase in melanoma where the UV levels are at their greatest
along the coast of the State. But this doesn't mean the rest of the
State can rest easy. UV levels can be extreme all over the entire
State.
"The outdoor lifestyles we all enjoy, combined with a lack of
action when it comes to sun protection and susceptible skin types
creates a potentially deadly mix for every person across the
State," says Professor David Currow, chief cancer officer and CEO
of the Cancer Institute NSW.
"Unless every person in NSW gets serious about sun protection,
melanoma rates will continue to rise across the State. The Cancer
Institute NSW has a simple message for everyone this summer - plan
ahead to protect yourself from the sun and it could save your
life," said Professor Currow.
As the UV index approaches extreme over summer months, the
Cancer Institute NSW is advising families across the state to plan
ahead when it comes to enjoying the outdoors over the holiday
season. This timely advice coincides with the re-launch this week
of the successful 'Dark Side of Tanning' television commercials, as
part of the summer 2011-2012 Skin Cancer Prevention campaign, in an
effort to raise awareness of the dangers of UVR overexposure.
"Your skin needs protection from the sun when the UV index is
three or above. Unlike many other parts of the world, our UV index
is three or above in the middle of the day from August until May.
It is expected we will see UVR levels hit extreme levels this
summer - so we are issuing a caution to all communities across the
state to plan their day to avoid UVR overexposure," Professor
Currow said.
The Cancer Institute NSW is advising people across the State to
check the UV Index forecast before planning their day, remember to
protect their skin, and avoid the sun especially when the UV rays
are at their most powerful between 11am and 3pm.
Data for the above is from the latest NSW
figures on incidence of melanoma from
NSW Central Cancer Registry (2004 - 2008).
Five steps to save your skin this summer:
- Seek shade and avoid the sun when the UV index
hits 3 or higher. This is especially so between 11am and 3pm in
summer.
- Wear protective clothing to cover your skin,
especially your shoulders, arms and legs.
- Wearing a broad-brimmed hat
when you are outside is the best protection for your neck, ears and
face.
- Wear sunglasses that meet the Australian
Standard AS 1067 to protect your eyes from UV radiation.
- Reapply, reapply, reapply your SPF30+
sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
For more detailed information about
tanning, melanoma and sun protection measures, visit www.darksideoftanning.com.au.
Television commercial
View the television commercials airing across NSW this
summer.
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