Donnybrook columnist Pamela Harrison has shared her thoughts on the Australian sun and shown us some photos of skin cancer treatments to act as a warning to be sun smart.
Check out her sobering read on the need to get the 'nasties' checked out by a doctor.
Our Australian way of life has always included outdoor sports such as swimming, surfing, tennis, cricket, body surfing, water skiing and more.
I was one of many enjoying those sports and the sun, and as a result of my early years I've now had 26 'nasties' as I prefer to call them, cut out. The official title for ' nasties' being skin cancers.
It was great getting burnt, peeling off the skin, then the next chance going back for more quite oblivious to the future pain we would suffer. Pain greater than some sunburn.
Block-out did not exist, sunglasses were never worn and as for hats – What were they? I am of course referring to 60 and more years ago, when our innocent fun housed an underlying disaster waiting to happen. We had no idea that in later years we would pay for that fun.
Every chance possible was spent enjoying the ocean, swimming then lying on the hot sand and slowly baking, while the salt water dried on our skins, then back into the ocean to cool off unaware that the sun reflecting off the sea, was also burning our faces. Some used Baby Oil or Coconut Oil to achieve that tanned look. How have they fared I wonder and how many are remembering those times?
My first 'nose job' was 15 years ago with two others cut out elsewhere and after a break of 10 years, the last five years have seen the 'nasties' steadily emerging with some so fast as many as three, five weeks after having others removed. Six were cut out in eight weeks. The only plus is that I have a talented sewer of stitches and good healing skin, so the scars are hard to find.
Like so many other children, I was an innocent walking time bomb as we frolicked in the ocean or played sport, completely unaware of the sun's rays and what they were doing to us.
Today we have the constant education advising us about skin protection, especially with young children who's skin is so fragile and tender, it warrants protection from infancy and of helping prevent those 'nasties' becoming a part of their later lives. It is great to see schools enforcing the wearing of hats, and sports people wearing sun screens as well as endorsing the education of skin protection.
Adults and children today, have the full benefit of block-out creams, hats that are not only fashionable, but protect the wearer, and sunglasses even for children. Some think it's cool to wear their caps back to front because some sport's person does or it might be the fashion in another country. WRONG. They may protect the neck but not the face. Which is better, to ape someone else, or protect the skin?
It is not nice having needles around the nose, inside the cheek, the corner of the eye, or anywhere, but if 'nasties' prevail then suffer we must to be rid of them. With today's education many people can avoid going through what I and too many others are having, or had to endure as a result of our earlier years.
Don't think it is just ' us oldies ' who are victims, it is also the young. The sun is not fussy who it damages and those who choose not to protect their skin are the easy targets.
It is now known that skin cancer is the number one cancer cause of death in Australians aged 15 – 40.
None of mine have been black or dark or moles. All have been pink changing to red or encircled red, sometimes itchy and fast becoming raised. Of the 26 I have so far had cut out, 92% have been Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) which account for one third of all skin cancers. Some others have been Basal Carcinomas (BCC's).
The most common type of skin cancer is the BCC accounting for about two thirds of all skin cancers.
Everyones' skin is different in texture and type and the 'nasties' don't confine themselves just to the chest, back, legs, arms, neck or face. Ears, the top of the head and eyes are also vulnerable. In short term, exposure to the sun can cause burns to the eyes similar to sunburn of the skin.
Longer term exposure can lead to cataracts, pterygium and cancer of the conjunctiva or cornea. Modern fashionable sunglasses not only keep the wearer looking 'cool' but more importantly protect the eyes.
Having a tan is okay, but slopping on SPF 30+, slapping on a hat that protects your face, neck, head and ears, and sliding on sunglasses is more important.
Girls, that lovely skin you now have will look okay for a few years, but eventually wrinkles will appear and those days of lying in the sun will take its toll. Once those wrinkles come they are here to stay.
It is not only those who enjoy the social life of being in the sun, but also outdoor workers who have to endure the sun's rays not through choice. They are not immune to the damage being done.
Lives have been lost from an early age because someone hasn't had that spot checked, passing it off as nothing or being blasé. Men women and children are all candidates.
If anyone thinks they might have a 'nasty', go and see your Doctor. They are keen to check, save lives and help promote skin cancer awareness.
Would it be better to go and see them and be sure, or further down the track, become a statistic as a result of an unchecked possible 'nasty'?
The decision is yours.
