{"id":229579,"date":"2020-10-26T08:56:46","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T08:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/melanoma-fund-golfers-urged-to-get-skin-savvy\/"},"modified":"2022-10-06T12:40:11","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T12:40:11","slug":"melanoma-fund-golfers-urged-to-get-skin-savvy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/melanoma-fund-golfers-urged-to-get-skin-savvy\/","title":{"rendered":"Golfers urged to get skin savvy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This summer, the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign persuaded golf to \u2018get sun savvy\u2019. This autumn the Melanoma Fund is back encouraging golfers to \u2018get skin savvy\u2019, by carrying out a monthly skin check to help avoid late detection of melanoma, a problem more prevalent in men.  An animated video featuring \u2018Mark the Golfer\u2019 explains how, when and why to check, and most importantly what to look out for, using the ABCDE Rule.

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Men at higher risk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer but is easier to treat in its earliest stages. If left it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, making it profoundly more difficult to treat, impacting upon quality of life, and life expectancy.

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Whilst mortality rates in females have increased by 80%, rates in males have more than tripled (233%) since the early 70s.1 One of the reasons for this disparity is due to men failing to check out suspect moles or lesions. Over 60% never check their backs – where skin cancer often occurs in men – to see if existing moles have changed, or if new ones have appeared, and end up leaving it \u2018too late\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam Orkar, melanoma and skin cancer surgeon says, \u201cI often hear men who have been diagnosed with melanoma say; ‘I noticed it but didn\u2019t bother because it wasn\u2019t giving me any trouble.\u2019  It is usually a partner who convinces them to see their GP, and it\u2019s the denial  that\u2019s causing the trouble.\u201d<\/em>

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Melanoma is the UKs 5th most common cancer with rates having more than doubled since the 1990s, and around 44 melanoma cases now diagnosed daily.1 A significant factor contributing to these statistics are increased periods of intense sun exposure; whether through working or playing sport in the sun, overseas holidays, or the use of sunbeds. 

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Raising awareness and educating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golfers and\ngreenkeepers are at an increased risk of skin cancer due to highly reflective\nsurfaces on a golf course, as well as the time spent on it. This initiative\naims to raise awareness of a simple health routine that can save lives, urging\nanyone concerned about a mole or lesion to see their GP immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGolfers\ntend to avoid applying sunscreen due to ignorance, lack of motivation, being\nlate for a round and possibly for fear of a greasy grip. They neglect to get a\nmole or unusual lesion checked for fear of wasting their GPs time, <\/em>says Dr Tony Buckland, GP,\nsurgeon, and golfer. \u201cNothing is more frightening than a cancer diagnosis,\nso pick up the phone; it\u2019s what we\u2019re here for, even with COVID around!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Currently only\n11% of people have their skin checked by a professional and only 33% check\ntheir own skin annually, despite dermatologists recommending that this should\nbe carried out monthly.2 The initiative provides the following advice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHECK IT \u2013\nLearn how, why, and when to perform a skin check, or consider a professional\ncheck when and where possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET TO KNOW IT\n– Although we are all at risk, this increases for those who burn easily, have\nlots of moles, fair skin, freckles, and those with red or light hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

REPORT IT – If\nworried or suspicious about a mole or lesion visit your GP immediately. Trust\nyour intuition; if it feels wrong, get it seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PREVENT IT – Review and pledge to improve your sun protection habits. Wear protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat, SPF30+ broad spectrum sunscreen and seek shade.

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