Skin cancer is a very common work-related problem in Australia. It is often ignored which is a shame because it is an entirely preventable cause of death. We often get asked to help companies with education for workers on preventing skin cancer. We hope that you find some useful information on this page.

Facts

Australian survival rates from melanoma are generally higher than in other countries because we are now more aware of the signs of skin cancer, and detect them earlier.

Melanoma, the worst skin cancer, is the most common cancer in people aged 15 to 44 years. Overall, it is the third most common cancer in women, and the fourth most common in men.
Apply plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors to give protective elements time to bond to your skin

About UV

There are three main types of UVR, however only UVA and UVB reach the earth's surface. UVB is the most damaging of the two and is responsible for sunburn, suntan, skin ageing, skin cancer and eye damage. UVA also causes skin and eye damage and increases your risk of developing both common skin cancer and melanoma.

Skin cancer is due to an overexposure of ultraviolet light (UVL). UVL is found in sun rays and also in light from sunbeds in solariums. We expose ourselves to UVL when we work or tan in the sun.

The more your skin is exposed to the sun (even if it doesn't cause sunburn) the more you are at risk of skin cancer.

Can you get sunburn through glass?

Most car windows absorb a large amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Clear car windows block 97% of the UVB, and about 37% of the UVA. Laminated windscreens block all UVB rays and about 80% of UVA radiation.

Clear windscreen films can block as much as 97% of the UVA radiation, depending on the quality of the film used. Clear or tinted window films applied to non-laminated windows can substantially reduce the amount of UV rays transmitted into a vehicle. 

People sitting in cars may be exposed to UV radiation, especially if they travel with the side windows down.  Limit the effects of UV by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen applied to exposed skin. Babies and toddlers should have a shade visor.
House window glass filters out about 90% of UV rays, and office windows filter out about 97.5%.  Where windows are under deep eaves, verandahs or awnings, less UV rays gets through.

Healthy Tanning - there is no such thing!

A tan is not a sign of good health or wellbeing. It is a sign of exposure to enough UV to damage the skin.
A natural tan offers limited sunburn protection; usually an average of an SPF4.  A solarium tan offers even less protection.

Tanning without burning may cause skin damage and premature ageing or skin cancer

Deliberate exposure to sunlight does not provide any health benefits. Australians get more than sufficient sunlight for vitamin D production from just sitting near a window or by as little as two minutes outside during the day.

A solarium tan is NOT a safe tan.  Solariums can emit levels of UV radiation up to five times as strong as the summer midday sun. (Source: Cancer Council of Australia)

For more information or for advice on training programs contact:
Dr David Allen MBBS (Hons), DPH, FAFOM
Occupational Physician and Managing Director
david allen@qoh.com.au.
Phone: 02 98977699
Fax: 0298977390