Australian golfing legend Karrie Webb is urging fellow golfers and fans of the game to stay sun protected and to receive a skin check at this year s Australian Women’s Open. The initiative, created in partnership between Australian healthcare company iNova and the Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign, aims to educate golfers, caddies and spectators about the dangers of sun exposure, how to detect pre-cancerous skin damage and preventative measures. During the four-day event a dermatologist will conduct skin checks on professional golfers and spectators at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Like so many Australians, Karrie Webb has been affected by skin cancer through friend and fellow golfing professional Fiona Pike who passed away in 2009 from a melanoma-related tumour. Karrie Webb, as ambassador for The Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign, will receive on behalf of the charity a $3,000 donation from iNova that will go towards upgrading rooms at Flinders Lodge where people from the country stay whilst receiving cancer treatment in South Australia. Karrie Webb said: More than four hours on the golf course each round means an increased risk of skin damage, so it s important that players and fans wear sunglasses, sensible clothing, a suitable hat and use sunscreen to help prevent skin cancers. Free Hamilton sunscreen and sun protection information leaflets will also be given to golf fans at the tournament that brings the world s best women golfers to Melbourne. Local dermatologist Dr Suresh Chandra said: Sun exposure may cause skin cancers including melanomas. Therefore sun protection is vital for all age groups. In addition, for many Australians aged 45-65 sun damage has already occurred. Therefore education on detecting and treating early signs of skin cancer is also needed. Solar keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma are two common types of early skin cancer that can develop into serious skin cancer if left untreated. People concerned about skin cancer should speak to a healthcare professional.
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