Painful lesson: ‘Don’t be a tough guy, look after your health’

Graham Jenkins learnt the hard way — he doesn’t want other men to have to. That’s why he is advising men not to “be tough guys”, but to do the right thing and look after themselves. If not? Well, it’s pretty obvious. It’s Men’s Health Week between June 15 and 21, and Cancer Council WA is urging men in the Mid West to learn more about carcinogens in the workplace. Mr Jenkins, of Gascoyne Junction, knows what can happen when not wearing protective gear while working outdoors. “Many years ago, I was welding at a nursery up north and decided to take my shirt off because of the heat,” Mr Jenkins said. “I was in helmet and shorts, with no other protective gear. “I got severely burnt on my forearms and chest from the UV light from welding. “Eventually, I started noticing unusual spots on my skin and immediately knew something wasn’t right. Over the years, I’ve had dozens of basal cell carcinoma skin cancers and squamous cell carcinoma cut from my skin. “Back in the day I thought I was bulletproof and had no idea about occupational-related cancers. “But nowadays there are no excuses, as we have access to so much information. “My advice is to always use protective gear at work — long shirt, helmet, gloves, the lot — even if you’re only welding for a couple of minutes. “Take it from someone who has had dozens of skin cancers cut out. Don’t be a tough guy; do the right thing and look after your health, otherwise it could cost you your life.” Cancer Council WA’s regional education officer Aiden McDowell said data showed an estimated 2.72 million Australian men — 58 per cent of the working population — may be exposed to one or more cancer-causing agents at work. “These are alarming and confronting statistics,” he said. He said in 2017 there were more than 30 male deaths per 100,000 population caused by occupational carcinogens.