The Real Science of Sport Podcast Sport and Skin Cancer: How Big is the Risk?
Jun 17, 2025
Dagmar Whitaker, a leading authority on sport and skin cancer, serves as the vice president of the World Melanoma Society and president of the Melanoma Society South Africa. She discusses the elevated risks of melanoma for outdoor athletes and emphasizes the importance of early detection and effective prevention strategies, including sunscreen from a young age. Dagmar also explores the alarming increase in skin cancer rates, the economics of treatment accessibility, and the role of a healthy immune system in combating the disease.
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Types of Skin Cancer Differ
- Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, originating from pigment cells and capable of metastasizing widely.
- Basal cell carcinoma is common but locally aggressive; squamous cell carcinoma is intermediate in severity.
Prevent Skin Cancer Early
- Prevention through sun protection is the cheapest and most effective way to combat skin cancer.
- Early diagnosis of melanoma greatly improves prognosis; regular checks are crucial.
Sun Protection Is Essential
- Adopt sun-wise behaviors: use sun-protective clothing, avoid peak sun hours, and apply sunscreen on unprotected areas.
- Daily SPF 50 for face and hands is recommended in the southern hemisphere to prevent accidental sun exposure.