Head of Cancer Immunotherapy Research at the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Dr Jason Waithman, says Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
“The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight,” Dr Waithman says.
“In Australia, almost 14 per cent of adults, 24 per cent of teenagers and 8 per cent of children are sunburnt on summer weekends. Sunburn has been associated with melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.”
Dr Waithman’s research is helping us to better understand how melanoma is surveyed by the immune system. Most recently we have made a crucial breakthrough in understanding how the immune system puts melanoma to sleep. Read more about Dr Waithman’s research here.
For tips on how to protect your own and your family’s skin, visit the prevention section of the Cancer Council’s website.
First published Friday 20 December 2019.