How to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer as a Golfer

Health & Medical Blog

Golf can be both a fun pastime and a good source of exercise, but unfortunately, golfers are even more likely than the general population to be diagnosed with skin cancer. There are good reasons for this—from the abundance of time spent outside to a generally lax view of sunscreen. However, as a golfer, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer and to catch it early if you do get it, such as skin checks and sunscreen.

Avoid the Sun During the Hottest Part of the Day

As the doctors at ShareCare explain, the sun's rays are at their most dangerous in the middle of the day—generally between 10 AM and 3 PM. Therefore, plan your round of golf so that you'll be inside during these hours as much as possible. Many golf courses now offer special deals on twilight games of golf or on early morning slots, so you should take advantage of these. If you simply must play in the middle of the day, choose a golf buggy that provides some shade and keep to that shade as much as possible, as well as regularly applying sunscreen.

Make Sure Your Clothing & Sunscreen Are Adequate

If you're going to be out in the sun, make sure that you're prepared for it. Apply a thick layer of sunscreen (at least 15 SPF) to all your exposed skin before you begin your golf game, as well as reapplying it every two hours. There are body parts like your scalp which are hard to cover with sunscreen, so buy a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face protected. You should also try to cover yourself with clothes as much as possible—a dark-coloured shirt with full sleeves is the best protection, but if it's not practical, make sure your arms are protected by sunscreen.

Perform Regular Skin Checks on Yourself

Performing skin checks may not stop you from getting skin cancer, but they will help you catch it early, meaning it's less dangerous and easier to treat. Perform a check once a month, looking over your whole body for any changes. Get a family member to help you with parts you can't see. The NHS explains that the main thing to look for is a mole or freckle that has changed—for example, it may have got bigger, changed colour, become unsymmetrical or have developed jagged edges. If you are at all worried about a mole or freckle, even if you don't think it's cancer, you should speak to your doctor for a second opinion. Some people also recommend a yearly appointment with a dermatologist, who can check you for anything you might have missed. 

By avoiding playing golf in the middle of the day, keeping yourself covered up and well protected, and performing regular skin cancer checks, you can reduce your chances of developing a dangerous illness while playing the game you love.

14 March 2019