Lifetime prevalence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer in Australian recreational and competitive surfers

Mike Climstein, James Furness, Wayne Hing, Joseph Walsh

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    57 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Background/Purpose: Surfing is one of the most popular outdoor aquatic activities in Australia with an estimated 2.7 million recreational surfers; however, Australia has long been recognized as having the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, and it is the most common type of cancer in young Australians. The aim of this study was to investigate the lifetime prevalence of non-melanoma [basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)] and melanoma skin cancers in Australian recreational and competitive surfers.

    Methods:
    Australian surfers were invited to complete an online surveillance survey to determine the lifetime prevalence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.

    Results: A total of 1348 surfers (56.9% recreational) participated in this study, of which 184 surfers reported a skin cancer (competitive n = 96, recreational n = 87). Of non-melanoma and melanoma cancers reported, BCC was the most common (6.8%), followed by melanoma (1.4%) and SCC (0.6%). The relative risk was higher (P < 0.001) in competitive vs. recreational surfers [OR 1.74 (CI 1.28–2.31)]. There was a higher (P < 0.05) number of skin cancers reported on the face (23.5%), back (16.4%) and arms (12.4%). There were significant trends (P < 0.001) in reported skin cancers between competitive and recreational surfers, as well as significantly (P < 0.001) more skin cancers reported in males (14.6%) than females (9.4%).

    Conclusion: Based upon these findings, individuals who surf are advised to regularly utilize sun protection strategies (avoid peak ultraviolet radiation (10 am–3 pm), rashvest, hat and sunscreen) and primary care physicians are recommended to regularly screen their patients who surf.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)207-213
    Number of pages7
    JournalPhotodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine
    Volume32
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2016

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Lifetime prevalence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer in Australian recreational and competitive surfers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this