Fully  27% of golfers in an Australian study had been diagnosed with skin cancer, as compared with 7% of the general population, indicating 2.4 times greater risk of the disease.

New research from the University of South Australia shows that golfers have a higher risk of skin cancer when compared to the general population.

Fully 27% of golfers – or one in four – had been diagnosed with skin cancer, as compared with 7% of the general population, indicating 2.4 times greater risk of the disease, the study showed.

Lead researcher Brad Stenner, PhD, says the findings highlight the importance of being sun smart on the green.“Playing golf regularly has a range of excellent health benefits – from helping you stay fit and active, to keeping you in touch with friends,” he says in a news release.

“While there are clear health benefits of engaging in golf, this study explored the risks of playing golf as golfers tend to play for four or more hours in the sun, using various sun protection strategies.”

Skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year. Every year, skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia.

“This study confirms that golfers have an elevated risk of skin cancer. Knowing that, players should more actively strive to protect themselves,” Stenner says. “Before you go out and play golf make sure you put on some high SPF protective sunscreen, wear a broad brimmed hat and some sort of sleeve or arm protection to ensure you’ve got the maximum coverage, and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen as you go. Once you have that you’re all set to tee off.”

The study is published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.

PHOTO CREDIT: Clappstar