01 August 2023 , 09:14
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Golfers have been warned to take urgent care and protection after a new study revealed that playing the sport can double the risk of skin cancer.
It comes after researchers found that more than a quarter (25 per cent) of golfers had been diagnosed, compared to 7 per cent of the general public. The study, which was conducted in Australia, suggested that golfers are 2.4 times more likely to develop the disease.
Dr Brad Stenner, of the University of South Australia, stressed that campaigners are "missing the spot" over the links to the sport and the health condition. He added that whilst it has "excellent health benefits", golfers remain at "elevated risk" of developing skin cancer.
Researchers have warned golfers it is vital to use protection when playing the sport (Getty Images)Dr Stenner said: “We found that 27% of golfers – or one in four – had been diagnosed with skin cancer, as compared with 7% of the general population. This study confirms that golfers have an elevated risk of skin cancer. Knowing that, players should more actively strive to protect themselves."
He continued: “My advice is: before you go out and play golf make sure you put on some high SPF protective sunscreen, wear a broad brimmed hat and some sort of sleeve or arm protection to ensure you’ve got the maximum coverage, and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen as you go. Once you have that you’re all set to tee off.”
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Different types of skin cancer are classed between non-melanoma and melanoma. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, whereas non-melanoma is usually less serious. There are around 147,000 non-melanoma cases diagnosed in the UK each year, while Melanoma is identified 16,000 times a year.
Golfers are more likely to be at risk of developing skin cancer (Getty Images)People usually spot melanoma through the appearance of a new mole or the change in looks from an existing one. Whereas an indicator of non-melanoma skin cancer is the appearance of a lump or patch on the skin which doesn't heal after a few weeks.
Non-melanoma skin cancer tends to be found on skin areas which are regularly exposed such as face, ears, hands, shoulders, back and upper chest. Symptoms on the NHS website, reads as: "The first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is usually the appearance of a lump or discoloured patch on the skin that persists after a few weeks and slowly progresses over months or sometimes years.
"This is the cancer, or tumour. In most cases, cancerous lumps are red and firm and sometimes turn into ulcers, while cancerous patches are usually flat and scaly."