Are you living in a Melanoma hotspot?

As you are likely aware, Plow’s mission is to reduce the risk and prevalence of skin cancer, particularly among surfers and watersport enthusiasts who are at a massive 120 times higher risk. With skin cancer action week just past us, we took the time to read up on the latest report from ​The Cancer Institute NSW. Like us, their vision is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.


In case you haven’t seen it (it’s not the lightest topic for a bedtime read), here are our biggest takeaways:

  1. 95% of melanoma and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation
  2. 4 of the top 5 melanoma hotspots were beach side suburbs
  3. Melanoma is the third most diagnosed cancer in NSW
  4. It’s expected that over 5000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in NSW in 2024, and over 500 people will lose their lives
  5. The best cure is prevention

We know these are scary stats but we are DESPERATE for people to get the word out there. Wearing suncream, covering up and staying in the shade are such simple ways to reduce exposure, and it could just save your life (or your loved ones). 


Image Source: The Cancer Institute NSW

 

What can you do to reduce your risk of melanoma?

  • Share the report with friends and family, PARTICULARLY if they live in one of the hotspot areas (see the top 20 list below)
  • Stay out of the sun when you can
  • When you have to be out in the sun:
    • Wear sunscreen
    • Cover up
    • Don’t forget your hat* and sunnies
      *The Cancer Institute NSW agrees that a wide brim is best!
  • Get your skin checked by a professional
    The Skin Check Champs often run events and you can find bulk billed skin care specialists across NSW. If you have private health insurance your checks may also be included. If you can’t get to a professional, check out our guide to checking your own skin.
  • Remind your friends and family

Top 25 melanoma hotspots

  1. Ballina
  2. Lismore
  3. Byron
  4. Clarence Valley
  5. Coffs Harbour
  6. Sutherland Shire
  7. Port Macquarie-Hastings
  8. Tweed
  9. Kempsey
  10. Richmond Valley
  11. Nambucca Valley
  12. Kiama
  13. Port Stephens
  14. Bathurst Regional
  15. Mid-Coast
  16. Lake Macquarie
  17. Mosman
  18. Mid-Western Regional
  19. Northern Beaches
  20. Shoalhaven
  21. Cessnock
  22. Wagga Wagga
  23. Central Coast
  24. Wingecarribee
  25. Newcastle

Full report link here.

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