It’s time to reach around and give yourself a pat on the fully-clothed and sun-protected back.
Researchers from Brisbane‘s QIMR Berghoger Medical Research Institute have announced that Australia‘s per capita rates of invasive melanoma are on the decline, and we’re no longer the country with the highest rate of deadly skin cancers in the world.
Current emotion: it’s an improvement but there’s still a way to go.
Our rate of per capita invasive melanoma peaked back in 2005 with 49 cases per 100,000 people, but declined to 48 in 2011.
It’s not all pink zinc and legionnaires hats, though, as New Zealand‘s taken our place with a rate that has climbed to 50 cases per 100,000.
The researchers expect it’ll continue to decline, believing it’ll drop to 41 cases per 100,000 by 2031.
Researchers say the reduction can be attributed to our bloody ripper public health crusades, like the ubiquitous ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaign, the Banana Boat jingle and in more recent times, free UV screening buses promoted by Aussie legends like Carrie Bickmore.
It’s important to note that while per capita rates are falling, the overall number of cases of invasive melanoma is still rising, due to population growth and an ageing population.
So if we could offer you only one tip for the future?
Continue to do as Sid did.
Source: SMH.
Photo: Billy Madison.
