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Black blob appears on Tamarama Beach in Sydney READ MORE: Millions of Aussies on high alert as 'supercell' storm prepares to smash several states: What you need to know By Cameron Carpenter For Daily Mail Australia Published: 00:44, 18 October 2024 | Updated: 00:50, 18 October 2024 e-mail View comments A giant black sculpture resembling a common skin cancer has appeared on Sydney 's Tamarama Beach as part of the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. Sydney-based artist Andrew Hankin, the creator of the piece, explained that the sculpture was designed to resemble melanoma and is made from heavy-duty fabric. 'It's a really big issue, and I think in the sense of bigness, we wanted to go out there and create something that hadn't been done before in terms of scale,' he told The Guardian.
'It's going to have a message that will be hard to ignore this summer.' As the exhibition progresses, the sculpture, currently standing three meters high and 20 meters wide, will change in size, shape, and color to raise awareness about skin cancer. Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world, with two out of three people diagnosed with some form before the age of 70, according to figures from the Australian Cancer Council.
While anyone can develop melanoma, risk factors include a history of childhood tanning and sunburn, fair or freckled skin, and a family history of the disease. To raise further awareness, Skin Check Champions will provide free skin checks on October 26 and 27 at the site of the sculpture. A giant black sculpture resembling a common skin cancer has appeared on Sydney 's Tamarama Beach as part of the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.
Sydney-based artist Andrew Hankin, the creator of the piece, explained that the sculpture was designed to resemble melanoma and is made from heavy-duty fabric Scott Maggs, who founded the organisation after losing his best friend to melanoma, said it's crucial for Aussies to be aware of the dangers of the disease. 'Over 60 per cent of skin cancers are actually identified by the people who had them on their skin. It's something really important for every Australian to learn, to look out for changes and things that are new.
' Now in its 26th year, Sculpture by the Sea is expected to attract thousands of visitors to its annual exhibition, which kicked off today. The event runs until early November, showcasing sculptures along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. What is melanoma? Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the skin cells called melanocytes and usually occurs on the parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun.
Rare melanomas can occur inside the eye (ocular melanoma) or in parts of the skin or body that have never been exposed to the sun such as the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet or under the nails. What causes melanoma? Sun exposure: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin. Moles: The more moles you have, the greater the risk for getting melanoma.
Skin type: People with fairer skin have a higher risk of getting melanoma. Hair colour: Red heads are more at risk than others. Personal history: If you've had melanoma once, then you are more likely to get it again.
Family history: If relatives have been diagnosed previously,you can be at higher risk. How do I prevent it? Use sunscreen with a high SPF or cover up to avoid sunburn. Avoid tanning outside and using sunbeds Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
Keep babies and children out of the sun. Examine your skin every month and visit your GP every year for a skin examination How do I check for it? Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see.
In particular, look for: Moles with an uneven shape or edges Moles with a mix of colours Large moles - melanomas often tend to be more than 6mm wide Moles that change size, shape or colour over time New Zealand Sydney Share or comment on this article: Black blob appears on Tamarama Beach in Sydney e-mail Add comment.
