– Paul Gow, Pro Golfer and Cancer Council NSW Ambassador.
What’s it all about?
Improve Your Long Game is a skin cancer prevention campaign for men over 40 in NSW golf clubs. The program is part funded by Cancer Institute NSW and aims to improve sun protection behaviours.
Why?
In NSW men over the age of 40 are 1.5 times likely to be diagnosed and about twice as likely to die of melanoma as women of a similar age.
Evidence has shown men generally have poorer sun protection behaviours than women, in particular while out playing golf.
It is easy to see why golfers are at risk of developing skin cancer when you consider:
- Long periods spent outside in peak UV times.
- Limited shaded areas on golf courses.
- Many surfaces (grass, sand and water) which reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Less emphasis on sun protection, compared to cricketers with their zinc, wrap-around sunnies and broad-brim hats.
Hit your mates with the surprising truths
You can reduce your risk of melanoma at any age! Hit your mate with one of these facts and tips every time you visit your local club and you’ll both be on your way to improving your long game.
Did you know?
All UV exposure, every tan and sunburn, adds up and increases your risk of skin cancer. Keep your skin out of bounds from the sun:
Slip on a long sleeved shirt and pants or wear protective sun sleeves.
Did you know?
Men over the age of 40 are 1.5 times likely to be diagnosed and about twice as likely to die of melanoma as women of a similar age. Many golfers think that it’s too late to make a difference, but protecting your skin at any age does reduce your skin cancer risk:
Slop on a teaspoon (5ml) amount of SPF30+ dry touch/active sunscreen, which protects without creating a greasy grip, to EVERY exposed body part 20 minutes before exposure. Reapply every two hours during play, around the time when you reach the 9th hole.
Did you know?
UV radiation causes 95% of melanomas & 99% of all skin cancers. Be on par with your sun protection when UV levels are 3 and above:
Slap on a broad-brimmed hat designed for golf which stays on and protects your ears, neck and face.
Did you know?
In NSW, UV levels are high enough to damage unprotected skin most days of the year, even on cloudy and cold days. Keep your skin pitch perfect:
Seek shady spots around the golf course while waiting to tee-off. Bring your golf umbrella or a hands-free umbrella that attaches to your golf bag.
Did you know?
The sun’s UV radiation can reach you by being reflected off smooth, shiny and light coloured surfaces including grass, sand and water which are common on golf courses. Protect your eyes:
Slide on wraparound sunglasses that comply with the Australian standard 2 or above for maximum protection and add polarisation to cut down on course glare.
Learn more about:
Contact us via email or on 13 11 20 for more information about Improve your long game or to volunteer your club for the program in 2019.
