Northbridge Golf Club helps reduce men’s risk of skin cancer

Often people only think about sun protection in Summer, but in many parts of Australia, ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are high enough to damage unprotected skin all year round (TIP: Sun protection is recommended whenever UV levels reach 3 or higher). 

Men are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than women  

We know that in Australia:  

• Men over 40 are one and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than women of the same age.
• Men over 40 are more than twice as likely to die of melanoma than women of the same age.
• Almost all skin cancers are caused by UV radiation – the sun’s rays.

Northbridge Golf Club encourages golfers to improve their long game

Northbridge Golf Club has been part of Cancer Council NSW’s free sun protection program, ‘Improve your long game’ for almost two years. The program, which aims to improve sun protection behaviours of golfers by providing free sunscreen, stands and resources, was taken up by the club after they recognised the importance of protecting their members and visitors from the hours of harmful UV they may be exposed to while playing golf, which could be up to four hours in direct sunlight during peak UV exposure times.  

Northbridge Golf Club Assistant Manager, Natasha Reiss said, “The free sunscreen provided to golfers at the 1st and 10th tees has greatly increased the number of golfers protecting themselves from the sun. The resources and signage around the club also offer great tips to golfers on how to protect themselves and ensure that sun protection is a greater priority and less likely to be forgotten before teeing off.” 

Not only do Northbridge Golf Club take part in the Improve your long game program, but the club is a long-time supporter of Cancer Council NSW’s The Longest Day fundraising campaign. The Longest Day is a challenge to complete either 36, 54 or the ultimate 72 holes of golf in one day, whilst raising vital funds to help Cancer Council conduct research, deliver prevention campaigns and support people as they navigate their cancer journey.  

“Northbridge has been a strong supporter of the Longest Day challenge for many years and every year is overwhelmed with people looking to get involved in this great initiative” Reiss continues. 

“With Australia having such a high rate of skin cancer and the frightening statistic that two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, we are very happy to assist in raising funds for this important cause and encourage everyone to get involved!” Reiss concludes.  

To find out more or to sign up to Improve your long game, head to: www.cancercouncil.com.au/golf