Does the amount of UV light that Australians get contribute to their high skin cancer rates? Explain in more than 3 paragraphs no less with claim, reasoning and evidence.
Claim: The amount of UV light that Australians receive is a contributing factor to their high skin cancer rates.
Reasoning: Australia is known for its high levels of UV radiation due to its geographical location, climate, and ozone depletion. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a well-established risk factor for skin cancer. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that the amount of UV light that Australians receive has a significant impact on their skin cancer rates.
Evidence:
1. Geographical location: Australia has a location closer to the equator, which results in higher levels of direct sunlight. The country is exposed to more intense UV radiation compared to regions located farther from the equator. This increased exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
2. Climate: Australia has a predominantly sunny and dry climate, which encourages outdoor activities. People tend to spend more time outdoors in high UV conditions, leading to greater exposure. The 2018-2019 Australian Health Survey reported that 86% of Australians participated in outdoor physical activities, thus increasing their UV exposure.
3. Ozone depletion: Australia experiences higher levels of UV radiation due to the depletion of the ozone layer over the region. The Antarctic ozone hole, which forms annually over Antarctica, contributes to the increased UV radiation reaching the country. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency monitor UV levels and issue alerts when it exceeds safe levels.
4. Skin cancer rates: Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately two in every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach the age of 70. This high prevalence is strongly associated with exposure to UV radiation.
In conclusion, the amount of UV light that Australians receive is indeed a contributing factor to their high skin cancer rates. Australia's geographical location, climate, ozone depletion, and the subsequent high levels of UV radiation all combine to increase the risk of developing skin cancer. The strong correlation between UV exposure and skin cancer rates, along with supporting evidence, further reinforces this claim. It is crucial for Australians to be aware of the risks associated with UV exposure and take appropriate preventive measures to reduce their likelihood of developing skin cancer.