Links Between #Golf and Skin Cancer-Which Tour Players Had It?

After receiving a golf press release about "Melanoma May" I realized that the probability of skin cancer during this season merited another blog which will probably sound more like a public service announcement!


Here are the latest stats about skin cancer and the necessity of athletes, especially golfers, using a serious, water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

 ACCORDING TO RECENT STUDIES from SkinCancer.org:

·         65% of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

·         Men over age 40 have the highest annual exposure to UV radiation.

·         The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.

·         Melanoma is one of only three cancers with an increasing mortality rate for men.



WHY ARE GOLFERS AT A HIGHER RISK?

·         Getting four to six hours of sun exposure from a round of golf
·         Not wearing or reapplying sunscreen
·         Teeing off mid-morning when the sun’s rays are at their strongest
·         Having little or no shade if you stay on the fairways



GOLFERS WHO HAVE SURVIVED SKIN CANCER:

·         Fred Couples, a former golf world number one and US Masters winner, has had numerous cancerous lesions removed from his hands
·         Texan PGA player, Tom Kite
·         US Open winner, Andy North
·         English golfer, Brian Davis
Other famous people who have had a brush with skin cancer include Senator John McCain, former President Ronald Reagan, Ewan McGregor and Bob Marley.

To help prevent skin cancer, performance golf clothing is not enough! Doctors recommend applying a generous amount of water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas thirty minutes before heading outside to play any sport. Look for a sports sunscreen formula that is designed to stay put if you sweat and won’t run into the eyes and sting, like the SkinCeuticals. No, I have not tried this particular sunscreen so I cannot recommend it personally. If my readers have tried it, I would appreciate your comments below.

SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50

Bottom line is to protect yourself. 

Have a safe, healthy and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Voice your opinion on Golf for Beginners, on Twitter @Golf4Beginners or on Facebook.

#Golf PSA for Skin Cancer Awareness Month...this means YOU!

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and, for golfers in particular who spend over four hours in the sun during a round, this public service announcement could save lives!


Did you know:

• More than two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year
• This includes men and women who hit the links without appropriate protection from the sun – from not using enough sunscreen to not wearing protective clothing.
• According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the good news is skin cancer is easily preventable and – when detected early – has a high cure rate.

Check out this short PSA:





SpotSkinCancer.org, which just launched this week, has everything you need to know about skin cancer, locations for free screenings, educational material and local dermatologist in each market.

The dangers of engaging in outdoor activities like golf or hiking without appropriate protection- sunscreen, hats, could kill you. Be careful out there so you can attend all the demo days in your area!

  
Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend us on Facebook.