Does the amount of UV light that Australians get contribute to their high skin cancer rates? Explain in more than 3 paragraphs with claim, reasoning and evidence.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. This is due largely to our climate, the fact that many of us have fair skin that isn't really suited to such harsh conditions, our proximity to the equator (high UV levels) and our social attitudes and love for the outdoors.
During summer, the Earth's orbit brings Australia closer to the sun (as compared to Europe during its summer), resulting in an additional 7% solar UV intensity. Coupled with our clearer atmospheric conditions, this means that Australians are exposed to up to 15% more UV than Europeans.
At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. The risk is higher in men than in women
Claim: The amount of UV light that Australians receive contributes to their high skin cancer rates.
Reasoning:
1. Australia has higher levels of UV radiation: Due to its geographic location close to the equator, Australia receives higher levels of UV radiation compared to other countries. This is attributed to the angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface at these latitudes, resulting in more intense sunlight exposure.
2. Skin cancer is strongly associated with UV radiation: Extensive research has established a strong link between exposure to UV radiation and the development of skin cancer. UV radiation, particularly UVA and UVB rays, can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to genetic mutations and the potential for the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells.
3. High skin cancer rates in Australia: Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. According to Cancer Council Australia, about two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, with more than 750,000 skin cancers treated each year. This high prevalence can be attributed to the higher levels of UV radiation, which increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Evidence:
1. Research on UV radiation and skin cancer: Numerous studies have established the link between UV radiation and skin cancer. For instance, a study published in the journal Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that intermittent exposure to UV radiation, such as intense sunlight during outdoor activities, increases the risk of skin cancer. This is consistent with the high UV levels Australians experience due to their geographic location.
2. Sunburn incidents and skin cancer rates: Sunburn is an established risk factor for skin cancer, and Australia has one of the highest rates of sunburn globally. A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that sunburn incidence was highest among Australians aged 18-24, coinciding with the age group with the highest rates of skin cancer. The study concluded that higher levels of UV radiation contribute to the higher skin cancer rates in Australia.
3. Prevention campaigns: The Australian government has launched extensive public health campaigns to promote sun protection and raise awareness about the dangers of UV radiation. This emphasizes the recognized link between UV exposure and skin cancer. The campaigns include strategies such as the "Slip, Slop, Slap" campaign, which encourages Australians to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.
In conclusion, the high levels of UV radiation experienced by Australians contribute to their elevated skin cancer rates. The geographic location of Australia and the resulting intense sunlight exposure increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Extensive research, the association between sunburn incidents and skin cancer rates, and public health campaigns all support the claim that UV radiation plays a significant role in Australia's high skin cancer incidence.