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Solbari blog: UPF clothing testing explained

UPF clothing testing explained

This blog explains how the Australian Government UPF clothing testing process works. ARPANSA have been testing and rating UPF clothing since 1990. The UPF clothing ratings awarded range from UPF 15 to 50+. UPF 50+ is the maximum UPF clothing rating achievable.

Solbari blog: What are the different stages of Melanoma Skin Cancer?

What are the different stages of Melanoma Skin Cancer?

To determine the stage of melanoma the lesion (the area of the skin being reviewed) needs to be removed along with some healthy tissue and then examined. The lesion will be measured using a microscope in millimetres and some other factors will be considered which are highlighted below. The classification in this blog is a way of describing the stage of development and the risk profile of the melanoma skin cancer.

Solbari blog: What is non melanoma skin cancer?

What is non melanoma skin cancer?

In this blog we describe what is meant by non melanoma skin cancer. Non melanoma skin cancer excludes melanoma but includes the most common form of skin cancers which are basal cell carcinoma (or BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We also explain what causes BCC and SCC and what they may appear like on the skin.

Solbari blog: What is melanoma?

What is melanoma?

This blog explains what a melanoma is, how and why it develops and the potential consequences of having a melanoma skin cancer. The primary cause of melanoma is cumulative exposure to the sun, which makes skin cancer one of the most preventable forms of cancer with the right sun safe behaviour.

Solbari blog: What is basal cell carcinoma?

What is basal cell carcinoma?

This blog explains what basal cell carcinoma is, how it may appear on the skin and what the consequences of having a BCC can be. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer, accounting for around 70% of all cases.

Solbari blog: What are the different types of melanoma?

What are the different types of melanoma?

In this blog we describe the main types of melanoma skin cancer: Superficial spreading melanoma Desmoplastic melanoma  Acral lentiginous melanoma  Ocular melanoma  Anorectal melanoma

Solbari Blog: Sunbathing is more dangerous than smoking, so why does it not come with a similar health warning?

Sunbathing is more dangerous than smoking, so why does it not come with a similar health warning?

Cigarette packets are emblazoned with health warnings from the Australian Government and yet more people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer every year as a result of sun exposure than they are lung cancer as a result of smoking. Awareness of skin cancer and the risks associated with sunbathing are increasing.

6 myths about skin cancer and sun protection

6 myths about skin cancer and sun protection

Here, we bust the myths about melanoma, skin cancer and sun protection. We give you healthy tips about UPF50+ sun protective clothing and SPF50+ sunscreen.

Solbari blog: What happens during a skin cancer check?

What happens during a skin cancer check?

This blog describes a typical skin cancer check. How long the skin check takes, how the skin check is conducted and what happens next should a suspicious mole be discovered. In the event that a potential skin cancer is identified it is likely to be removed by the doctor for further examination.

Solbari blog: What is squamous cell carcinoma?

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

This blog explains what squamous cell carcinoma is, how it may appear on the skin and what the consequences of having a SCC can be. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most frequent occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer, accounting for around 30% of all cases.

Solbari blog: What is the survival rate from skin cancer?

What is the survival rate from skin cancer?

According to research undertaken by the Cancer Council the overall five year survival rate for those diagnosed with melanoma currently sits at around 90% in Australia. The research indicated that the survival rate varies depending on gender, age and size of tumour as highlighted in our latest blog. 

Solbari blog: What’s the difference between a benign and a malignant mole?

What’s the difference between a benign and a malignant mole?

This blog explains the difference between a benign and a malignant mole. A common mole is benign and not cancerous. There is a type of common mole, called a dysplastic mole, that can develop into a malignant mole. A dysplastic mole is irregular in shape and larger in size. A malignant mole is cancerous.

Solbari blog: who can I talk to if I have been diagnosed with melanoma?

Who can I talk to if I have been diagnosed with melanoma?

Discovering that you have melanoma is very troubling news and raises many additional questions. This blog outlines organisations in Australia, NZ, US and the UK who can provide support for those diagnosed with skin cancer and melanoma. Having someone to talk to who has first hand experience of melanoma is invaluable.

Solbari blog: Why are men twice as likely to die from melanoma skin cancer?

Why are men twice as likely to die from melanoma skin cancer?

In this blog we describe how many more men are dying from melanoma skin cancer than women and put forward plausible explanations for why that is the case. Skin cancer is primarily caused by cumulative exposure to the sun. Many men spend considerable time outdoors. Men also don't proactively manage their skin health.

Solbari blog: Why does sunburn hurt?

Why does sunburn hurt?

This blog explains why we feel pain and experience inflammation of the skin when we get a sunburn. Medical research has revealed that when our skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet light (UV) our body releases proteins which stimulates pain receptors at the injury site.

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