My name is Ken Wright.
I like to play lawn bowls, golf and other outdoor activities. I spent quite a bit of time in North Queensland and on the surf beaches in my younger days, with no understanding of the damage sun exposure will cause. I have lived in Queensland for most of my life and had never given sufficient care to the protection of my skin from sun exposure.
In the mid 70’s I had a melanoma removed from my side and in subsequent years a further 4 were removed from other parts of my body. From then on, and continuing today, removal of numerous basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas is an ongoing surgical requirement. The damage has already been done.
In 2005 one of the melanomas had metastasised to my lymph glands requiring complete removal. I was then diagnosed as having Stage 3 Melanoma Cancer. Fortunately I am still alive today.
I currently spend a lot of time working with Cancer Council Queensland and Melanoma Patients Australia as a volunteer promoting the benefits of sun protection and skin care. I am very committed to the promotion of an understanding the benefits of sun protection amongst all age groups in the community in the hope that there may be some improvement in the numbers of reported cases.
I am now developing a Powerpoint document, in conjunction with the Cancer Council (Sunshine Coast Branch), for presenting to various community groups in my area to improve awareness of the damage sun exposure can cause.
Thank you Ken for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.
The Solbari Team
Your skin is your largest organ and has a long memory. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) damage is cumulative throughout your life. Research shows that sun damage contributes to more than 90% of wrinkles, brown spots, premature skin ageing as well as precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.
It is very difficult to the untrained eye to identify melanomas and skin cancers because they can come in many different shapes and sizes.
As Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon from the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. says, "the earlier a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better the chance of avoiding surgery, or in the case of a serious melanoma or skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death."