Don't look away: Here's what happens when you skip sun protection
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Content warning: This article includes a concerning video of an individual affected by extensive sun damage. Reader discretion is advised.
The Australian sun is relentless, and its consequences quite damaging, as this lifelong outdoorsman has found out.
Working under the hot Australian sun, the idea of covering up rarely crossed Leigh Raaschou's mind. During his earlier years as a junior lifesaver in Victoria, he spent most of his time outdoors without wearing a hat or applying sunscreen.
In a revealing interview, Mr Raaschou shared his experience of bearing the unwelcome signs of sun damage on his body.
'As you can see by the skin grafts and things I’ve had, I would have had well over 100 skin cancers cut off in that time, probably closer to 200,’ he said.
His body displayed an agonisingly intricate tapestry of scars, the result of Australia's extreme exposure to UV radiation.
His story gives a grave and compelling depiction of how overexposure to sunlight paves the way for skin cancer, melanoma, and a host of other related health complications.
He detailed the devastating hit his body had taken.
'The cancer got into my bone, and they had to take my skull out, put a titanium plate in,' he narrated.
His story took a darker turn as he faced further complications, with infections and prohibitive surgical risks leaving him in a difficult spot.
‘Unfortunately, (I) got an infection between the plate and my brain, and I had to go back in and remove it,’ he recalled.
'I’ve had radiation in every area of my head, and the doctors have said there is no more', he resignedly admitted.
Raaschou’s harrowing story comes on the heels of recent Australian research that has found some positive effects of cannabis on melanoma cell growth.
This revolutionary study, led by researchers from Charles Darwin University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), shines a hopeful light for those battling melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
The study focused on a specific cannabis extract, cannabinoid PHEC-66, demonstrating its potential to slow down cell growth and induce 'cell death.'
This concentrated form of cannabinoid has shown encouraging results in laboratory tests, suggesting it could become a valuable supplemental therapy in the battle against malignant melanoma.
In comparison to other types of skin cancers, melanoma may be relatively rare, but it accounts for an alarming proportion of skin cancer-related deaths.
It is estimated that over 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma yearly, while about 434,000 are treated for non-melanoma skin cancers each year.
What makes it particularly worrisome is its propensity to spread rapidly and its resistance to traditional treatments.
But while PHEC-66 shows promise, researchers have urged caution, emphasising the need for extended research to understand its full potential.
'Before we take this to human trials, we have to go through animal trials,' said study co-author Nazim Nassar.
'We have to make sure these products are safe and effective.'
Despite the developing understanding of how to treat melanoma, Raaschou's story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of prevention.
His ordeal sends a clear message to Australians: never underestimate the strength of the harsh Australian sun.
You can watch his interview here:
Source: ABC Darwin/Facebook
This painful narrative is a potent reminder to all our members not to take skin protection lightly.
Hats and sunscreen are more than accessories; they are vital safety essentials to navigate the Australian summers safely.
Let us learn from Leigh’s journey, and gift our skin the care it requires.
Cancer.org stated that there is currently no structured screening program for melanoma.
Nevertheless, individuals at a high risk of melanoma should receive education on how to monitor their skin for any irregular or changing lesions and should undergo annual examinations by a dermatologist.
You can learn more about melanoma by visiting their website here.
Do you have other tips for increased sun protection, members? Share them in the comments below!
The Australian sun is relentless, and its consequences quite damaging, as this lifelong outdoorsman has found out.
Working under the hot Australian sun, the idea of covering up rarely crossed Leigh Raaschou's mind. During his earlier years as a junior lifesaver in Victoria, he spent most of his time outdoors without wearing a hat or applying sunscreen.
In a revealing interview, Mr Raaschou shared his experience of bearing the unwelcome signs of sun damage on his body.
'As you can see by the skin grafts and things I’ve had, I would have had well over 100 skin cancers cut off in that time, probably closer to 200,’ he said.
Leigh Raaschou was a junior lifesaver in Victoria. Image source: Shutterstock
His body displayed an agonisingly intricate tapestry of scars, the result of Australia's extreme exposure to UV radiation.
His story gives a grave and compelling depiction of how overexposure to sunlight paves the way for skin cancer, melanoma, and a host of other related health complications.
He detailed the devastating hit his body had taken.
'The cancer got into my bone, and they had to take my skull out, put a titanium plate in,' he narrated.
His story took a darker turn as he faced further complications, with infections and prohibitive surgical risks leaving him in a difficult spot.
‘Unfortunately, (I) got an infection between the plate and my brain, and I had to go back in and remove it,’ he recalled.
'I’ve had radiation in every area of my head, and the doctors have said there is no more', he resignedly admitted.
Raaschou’s harrowing story comes on the heels of recent Australian research that has found some positive effects of cannabis on melanoma cell growth.
This revolutionary study, led by researchers from Charles Darwin University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), shines a hopeful light for those battling melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
The study focused on a specific cannabis extract, cannabinoid PHEC-66, demonstrating its potential to slow down cell growth and induce 'cell death.'
This concentrated form of cannabinoid has shown encouraging results in laboratory tests, suggesting it could become a valuable supplemental therapy in the battle against malignant melanoma.
In comparison to other types of skin cancers, melanoma may be relatively rare, but it accounts for an alarming proportion of skin cancer-related deaths.
It is estimated that over 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma yearly, while about 434,000 are treated for non-melanoma skin cancers each year.
What makes it particularly worrisome is its propensity to spread rapidly and its resistance to traditional treatments.
But while PHEC-66 shows promise, researchers have urged caution, emphasising the need for extended research to understand its full potential.
'Before we take this to human trials, we have to go through animal trials,' said study co-author Nazim Nassar.
'We have to make sure these products are safe and effective.'
Despite the developing understanding of how to treat melanoma, Raaschou's story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of prevention.
His ordeal sends a clear message to Australians: never underestimate the strength of the harsh Australian sun.
You can watch his interview here:
Source: ABC Darwin/Facebook
This painful narrative is a potent reminder to all our members not to take skin protection lightly.
Hats and sunscreen are more than accessories; they are vital safety essentials to navigate the Australian summers safely.
Let us learn from Leigh’s journey, and gift our skin the care it requires.
Cancer.org stated that there is currently no structured screening program for melanoma.
Nevertheless, individuals at a high risk of melanoma should receive education on how to monitor their skin for any irregular or changing lesions and should undergo annual examinations by a dermatologist.
You can learn more about melanoma by visiting their website here.
Do you have other tips for increased sun protection, members? Share them in the comments below!
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