LONDON, Aug 9 ― Sports activities' health benefits, both physical and mental, have been well established but when it comes to doing these sports outdoors, it's important to check the conditions and adopt the right reflexes to avoid risks. A new study by Australian and British researchers reveals, for instance, that golfers have a significantly higher risk of skin cancer than the general population. This can be directly linked to the absence, or at least inadequate use, of sun protection.
In this midst of the northern hemisphere's summer season, it bears repeating: it's essential to apply sun protection adapted to your skin type and sunlight conditions to avoid sunburn in the short term and skin cancer in the long term. The importance of this habit can't be overstated, considering that over 80 per cent or 90 per cent of skin cancers are associated with UV or sun exposure, according to health organisations such as Santé publique France and the US-based Skin Cancer Foundation. Sunscreen recommendations apply to the general population, of course, but certain individuals in particular need to take special care to protect themselves: children, people whose work regularly exposes them to the sun, and, less well known, outdoor sports enthusiasts. A study by the University of South Australia has taken a closer look at the case of golfers specifically.
The authors of the study, in partnership with researchers from the Universities of Dundee, Oxford, College London, and Melbourne, analysed several types of data for the purposes of their research. Over 330 Australian golfers completed a health survey, which collected information on skin cancer diagnosis, physical activity levels, and demographic characteristics. These were compared with data collected from the general Australian population, and more specifically from over 15,500 people. This work enabled the researchers to establish a link between playing golf (in Australia) and an increased risk of skin cancer.
A 2.4-times greater risk
Published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, the study points to a significant risk. More than one in four golfers (27 per cent) were diagnosed with skin cancer, compared with 7 per cent of the general population. On average, golfers were 2.42 times more likely to be affected by this type of cancer than the rest of the population, after controlling for other criteria such as age, gender, level of education and smoking habits.
“While there are clear health benefits of engaging in golf, this study explored the risks of playing golf as golfers tend to play for four or more hours in the sun, using various sun protection strategies. We found that that 27 per cent of golfers ― or one in four ― had been diagnosed with skin cancer, as compared with 7 per cent of the general population. So, while sun smart campaigns do exist and are promoted in Australia (especially in summer), it seems they may be missing the mark when it comes to golfers,” explained Dr Brad Stenner lead researcher on the study, in a release. He added, “this study confirms that golfers have an elevated risk of skin cancer. Knowing that, players should more actively strive to protect themselves.”
To minimize their risk, the researcher recommends that golfers not only apply sun cream with a high sun protection factor, but also wear a wide-brimmed hat and keep their arms covered. As at the beach, or during any prolonged exposure, sun protection should be reapplied regularly, at least every two hours. Skin cancer represents the highest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year, according to data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. ― ETX Studio
