PLAYING golf could more than double your risk of skin cancer, researchers warn.
The findings make it vital players protect themselves from the sun before teeing off, they say.
An Australian study found that more than a quarter of golfers there suffered skin cancer, against seven per cent in the general population.
It suggests golfers’ risk of developing the disease is 2.4 times higher.
Dr Brad Stenner, of the University of South Australia, advised putting on high SPF protective sunscreen during a round.
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He also suggested covering arms and playing in a broad-brimmed hat, rather than a cap.
Dr Stenner said that there were many physical and mental health benefits to playing golf.
But he added: “Sun smart campaigns may be missing the mark when it comes to golfers.”
There are various forms of skin cancer that generally fall under non-melanoma and melanoma.
Non-melanoma skin cancers, diagnosed a combined 147,000 times a year in the UK, kill around 720 people a year in the UK.
Melanoma, meanwhile, is diagnosed 16,000 times a year, but is the most serious type that has a tendency to spread around the body.