The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are proud to support National Skin Cancer Action Week (16–22 November), joining forces with Dermatologist Dr Phillip Artemi of Inner West Dermatology to promote sun protection, skin cancer prevention and the importance of regular skin checks.
As part of the initiative, Bulldogs players and staff received professional skin checks with Dr Artemi this week at Belmore Sports Ground - and are encouraging Members, fans and the wider rugby league community to follow their lead and make skin health a priority.
The statistics are stark: melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians aged 20–39, and one melanoma is diagnosed every 30 minutes in Australia. Even more concerning, one person dies every six hours from melanoma - a preventable disease that is 95% attributable to sun exposure.
However, there's hope in early detection. When caught early, 90% of melanomas can be successfully treated and cured. The message from the Bulldogs and Dr Artemi is clear: prevention through sun protection and regular skin checks saves lives.
Bulldogs new recruit Kade Dykes was among the first players to sign up for his skin check, and said it was a timely reminder for everyone to take care of their skin.
"We're out in the sun almost every day - training, playing and representing our Club — so this really hits home for us," Dykes said.
It only takes about 10 minutes to get checked, it's quick and simple, and it could save your life. We want all our Members, fans and NRL supporters to do the same - protect your skin, get checked and stay sun-smart.
Dr Phillip Artemi, Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and Director of Inner West Dermatology conducted the checks and said the Bulldogs' involvement helps deliver an important message to the wider community.
"Melanoma is the second most common cancer in males after prostate, and the third most common in females after breast and bowel cancer - it's very common, and if not prevented or detected early, it is potentially deadly," Dr Artemi said.
"But it's also highly preventable and treatable when detected early. Good sun protection can dramatically reduce risk, and regular checks mean we can catch problems when treatment is most effective. National Skin Cancer Action Week is the perfect reminder to do both – protect and check.”
As Australians - and as rugby league players and fans - outdoor life is part of who we are. The Bulldogs encourage all Members and fans to learn about the dangers of UV exposure and book an appointment for a quick and easy skin check with their local GP, dermatologist or skin cancer clinic.
With prevention being key, the Bulldogs are also using National Skin Cancer Action Week to remind fans to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses, especially during times of high UV.
The Bulldogs thank Dr Artemi and his team at Inner West Dermatology for helping to keep the Bulldogs squad sun safe during the pre-season.
