Golf Increases Risk of Skin Cancer

As seen in The Express

Research has revealed that playing golf is linked to higher rates of skin cancer,

Express.co.uk asked Dr Ross Perry, founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, to provide his expert advice on sunscreen application for its feature:

“The popular hobby that could double your risk of skin cancer – study findings”

Researchers at the Adelaide-based University of South Australia analysed health information from an online survey of 336 regular golf players, who played at least once a month. Their data was compared to that of the the average Australian. As the article outlines, the study calculated that golfers are two-and-a-half times more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer than the rest of the population. The findings of the study were published in the journal BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Little surprise, as the hobby involves spending hours out of doors, exposed to the sun year round. The Express article explains:

“UV exposure is a known risk factor for developing skin cancer, which is why the researchers believe golfers – who play outside – are more likely to develop the disease.”

Even with sun protection the higher exposure means a higher risk of skin cancer, but for those who have insufficient sunscreen or forget/skip it altogether, then the risks are even higher.

Skin cancer – melanoma vs non-melanoma

Dr Ross Perry, Founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, told The Express that there are two types of skin cancer.

Dr Ross Perry said:

“Melanoma skin cancer unfortunately is the one that we’re most afraid of. This is the one that can spread and kill people and is the most aggressive of the two forms of skin cancer. 70% of all melanomas are a brand new mole; and what melanomas look like are generally dark, irregular and flat moles. They can occur on any part of the body; most commonly for men on the back and most commonly for women on the legs.

“You then have non melanoma skin cancer, which often has different signs and symptoms. The often start as a sort of a red scaly patch of skin, they can often itch and bleed a little bit, they can often even sometimes grow out of the skin a little bit and form a bit of a raised bump. These types of skin cancers are much more easily treated and they’re much more common in people in their 50s, 60s and 70s and much more related to areas of sun exposure.”

Read this article in full

To read more, please visit https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1778357/sunscreen-around-eyes-sun-health-risks.

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He has provided expert advice on sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He also comments on the latest cosmetic and anti-ageing treatment methods.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.