Getting burned on Wagga Beach is just as dangerous as on the coast. Photo: andriano_cz.
Wagga Beach on the Murrumbidgee once famously made the list of Australia’s best beaches, but in 2024, the Riverina city has joined a less enviable list of beachside communities.
With the rate of skin cancers continuing to rise across the state, Wagga Wagga has moved up the list to number 22 on Cancer Institute NSW’s melanoma hotspots for 2024.
Coastal centres predictably topped the list with Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour showing the highest rates of melanoma with almost 350 cases in each local government area (LGA) over the past 12 months.
‘The Shire’ in Sydney’s south along with Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed and Kempsey and Richmond Valley LGAs rounded out the state’s top 10, while Mid-Western Regional, Shoalhaven, Cessnock and Wagga made their debut in the top 25.
Health Minister Ryan Park said it was a timely reminder to cover up.
“Most melanoma hotspots are in regional areas but it’s important to remember that no matter where you live, the risk of skin cancer is ever present,” he said.
“Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and as a community, it’s imperative we take the threat of skin cancer seriously and follow the simple, lifesaving steps needed to reduce our risk of this deadly disease.”
Sid Seagull has expanded his message to five s-words. Photo: Supplied.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, with more than 5000 people expected to be diagnosed – and almost 500 lives expected to be lost – in NSW this year.
It’s the third most diagnosed cancer in NSW and the most common among younger people.
Almost all skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection.
“Two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime which is why protecting our skin from the sun from a very young age, and into adulthood, is key to reducing our risk of this devastating disease,” said NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien.
“In NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year and even short bursts of exposure to the sun can be deadly.
“Whether you’re going to the beach or hanging the washing or walking to the shops or train station, I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to safeguard themselves from harmful UV radiation from the sun.”
The original SunSmart campaign urging us to “slip, slop, slap” was launched in 1981 and today, the list has been expanded to five s-words.
Today’s kids are reminded to Slip on protective clothing, Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen, Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses.
More information on how to reduce your risk of skin cancer is available on the Cancer Institute NSW website.
Top 25 NSW LGAs for melanoma incidence:
1. Ballina
2. Lismore
3. Byron
4. Clarence Valley
5. Coffs Harbour
6. Sutherland Shire
7. Port Macquarie-Hastings
8. Tweed
9. Kempsey
10. Richmond Valley
11. Nambucca Valley
12. Kiama
13. Port Stephens
14. Bathurst Regional
15. Mid-Coast
16. Lake Macquarie
17. Mosman
18. Mid-Western Regional
19. Northern Beaches
20. Shoalhaven
21. Cessnock
22. Wagga Wagga
23. Central Coast
24. Wingecarribee
25. Newcastle.
Loading ...
