New research conducted by the University of South Australia and global partners reveals that golfers have a 2.4 times higher risk of skin cancer compared to the general population.
The study, which is the first to investigate the prevalence of skin cancers among the Australian golfing community, showed that one in four golfers had been diagnosed with the disease.
The findings are published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.
Staying Sun Smart on the Golf Course
Dr. Brad Stenner, the lead researcher, emphasizes that the results underscore the significance of sun protection while playing golf.
He notes the various health benefits of golfing, including improved endurance, muscle tone, and overall well-being due to the physical activity involved.
Golfers often walk five to seven kilometers per game, more if carrying a golf bag. However, golfing also means spending extended periods in the sun, presenting potential risks.
The study revealed that 27% of golfers, or one in four, had been diagnosed with skin cancer, compared to 7% of the general population.
Although sun-smart campaigns are promoted in Australia, particularly during summer, these findings suggest that they may not be adequately reaching golfers.
Increasing Prevalence of Skin Cancer
In Australia, skin cancer represents the most common type of cancer diagnosed each year. It accounts for around 80% of all newly identified cancers in the country annually.
Globally, one in every three diagnosed cancers are skin-related, with between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers reported each year.
The study confirms the heightened risk of skin cancer among golfers, leading Dr. Stenner to advise golfers to adopt more active sun protection strategies.
He recommends applying high SPF protective sunscreen, wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sleeve or arm protection, and reapplying sunscreen during the game.
If you care about skin health, please read studies about eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer, and Vitamin B3 could help prevent skin cancers.
If you care about skin cancer, please read studies that low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
The study was published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.
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