vIndianz.com (Nov.30, 2009) — Applying sunscreen on a habitual basis not just prevents cancer, but will save the government money. Researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) have found that providing sunscreen to people and encouraging every day treatment not only prevents skin cancers but too saves significant health care dollars.
“We’ve known for some time that common sunscreen application significantly reduces the number of skin cancers that grow,” said lead researcher Dr Louisa Gordon, from QIMR’s Cancer and Population Studies Laboratory.
“Our research shows that for as little as $1 per person per year sunscreen has the prospective to save Medicare an average of $150 per person. This represents a economy of over $126 million per year from the avoided cost of diagnosing and treating the skin cancers and sunspots that would otherwise take place amongst Queenslanders,” explained Dr Gordon.
“Compared to other cancer prevention initiatives sunscreen promotion and use is greatly cost effective.” The findings are the consequence of a community-based study concerning 1,400 participants over five years. One portion of the group was agreed free sunscreen and daily use was promoted, while the other used sunscreen as they would usually, on an irregular basis. The participants were monitored for the progress of skin cancer.
Sunscreen is the most sensible sun defensive measure for the face, neck and hands. These are the areas where the majority of skin cancers grow and the hardest to cover up with hats or clothing.
“We have been conventional with the approximate estimation of related health care costs. Our numbers might well be an underestimate,” said Dr Gordon. “What we do make out is that habitual use of sunscreen protects the skin from our unkind climate and that it is in addition very lucrative – not to point out the cosmetic advantage of habitual sun screen use in preventing early wrinkling and ageing.”
Dr Gordon and her team conducted this study in association with Griffith University and The University of Queensland. The paper was published in the Journal for Investigative Dermatology.
Australia has the maximum rates of skin cancer in the world. Two of the most widespread types of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), jointly have more diagnoses than all other cancer cases combined. Queenslanders are at an even higher danger having the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is the most hostile form of skin cancer with almost 300 Queenslanders dying from the ailment annually.
Further Reading- WHO to report on whether cell phone radiation is cancer hazard – CNN
- Cell Phone Cancer Concerns: What Else Is a Danger in Your Home? – ABC News
- Cell Phone Cancer Concerns: What Else Is a Danger in Your Home? – ABC News
- Cell Phone Cancer Concerns: What Else Is a Danger in Your Home? – ABC News
- Cell Phone Cancer Concerns: What Else Is a Danger in Your Home? – ABC News
- Skin Cancer Protection Starts in Infancy – WebMD
- Cell Phone Cancer Concerns: What Else Is a Danger in Your Home? – ABC News
- SPF15 sun cream ‘not strong enough’ – BBC News
- Sunscreens need to protect skin from UVA rays – San Francisco Chronicle
- 3G phones less harmful, researcher says – Sydney Morning Herald
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