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Skin Cancer Action Week

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In November 2012, tennis legends John Newcombe and Tony Roche joined Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists to urge all men aged 45 and over to watch their backs as part of Skin Cancer Action Week.

Men in this age group are at more than double the risk of dying of melanoma than women the same age.

Although melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, around 1 in 3 cases in men occur on the back.

Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Ian Olver, said it is never too late to be SunSmart. 

“Men aged 45 and over are likely to have spent a lot of time in the sun in their younger years before we had skin cancer awareness campaigns, they’re more likely to work outside, or have done so in the past, and they continue to ignore health warnings,” Professor Olver said. “But no matter what your age, it’s never too late to reduce your risk and prevent further damage.” 

John Newcombe and Tony Roche have spent their tennis careers in the sun and have paid the price with skin cancers.

They joined forces with Cancer Council Australia during Skin Cancer Action Week to urge men aged 45 and over to watch their backs in two ways; always protect yourself in the sun and check your entire body for skin changes. Ask your partner or a mate to check your back and anywhere else you can’t see yourself.

Honorary Secretary of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Dr Phillip Artemi, said skin cancers in men aged 45 and older tended to be diagnosed at a later stage when they were more likely to have spread.

“Men don’t notice their skin the way women do, and are less likely to visit their GP if they do notice something wrong,” Dr Artemi said.

“The good news is that skin cancer, including melanoma, is largely preventable and the earlier it’s caught the better the chance of survival. 

“Look for new moles or any change in shape, colour or size of a mole or spot. Visit your doctor if you notice any change.”

^1. Cancer Council Queensland, American Cancer Society, Skin cancer Society of New Zealand

Skin Cancer Action Week will be held again in 2013 from November 17th to November 23rd.

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This page was last updated on: Thursday, February 7, 2013