Aboriginal people and skin cancer
While the risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers is lower for Aboriginal people than the general population, the burden of disease from skin cancer in Aboriginal people is surprisingly high:
Skin cancer is the second most common cancer for Aboriginal males to be hospitalised for (behind lung cancer) and the third most common for Aboriginal females (behind breast and lung).
The skin pigmentation of Aboriginal Australians provides some protection against UV damage that causes skin cancer, however, Aboriginal
people with fairer skin might underestimate their personal risk of skin cancer. The presence of other skin conditions that are common in Aboriginal people (such as chronic inflammatory skin conditions) may also increase a person’s chances of developing skin cancer.
Similarly with other cancers, Aboriginal people with skin cancer present later for treatment and have worse outcomes than non-Aboriginal Australians. To prevent a delay in diagnosis, it is important that health professionals are alert to the possibility of skin cancers in their Aboriginal patients.
While there are gaps in what we know and understand about skin cancer in Aboriginal people, we do know that Aboriginal health professionals play an important role in encouraging and promoting skin cancer awareness and
prevention. More information on skin cancer.
Remember: if the UV is 3 or above - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide
Although it’s the beginning of winter, areas north of Perth have an average UV Index above 3 even in the cooler months. In the Pilbara and Kimberley, the UV Index averages between 5 and 8 at this time of the year. If the UV is 3 or above, make sure you use full sun protection.