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As she was preparing for the 2019 AFLW season, Brisbane Lions midfielder Emily Bates was rocked when a dermatologist told her she was "allergic to the sun" after six basal cell carcinomas (BCC) were found on her skin.
Key points:
- Emily Bates has had several basal cell carcinomas cut from her skin because of sun exposure
- Bate was told by a dermatologist "she shouldn't be living in Queensland" because of her skin's sun sensitivity
- Her AFLW club Brisbane Lions had long sleeve jerseys made to protect their players from the sun
Bates, at just 23, had BCCs cut out of her hairline and neck, while another one on her collarbone is still to be removed.
The location of the spots came from repeated exposure to the sun when Bates was growing up as a typically active child.
"My whole life I've played sport," Bates told the ABC.
"I played netball as a young girl, started playing footy at 11 and also played cricket. I've always played sport and been out in the sun like any other sporty kid.
"I didn't expect to have so many [BCCs] so young. I've had to change the way I am in the sun and be quite cautious now and change my outlook."
Bates's skin had become so sensitive to the sun that a dermatologist told her she "shouldn't be living in Queensland".
Such a scenario did not sit easy with Lions AFLW coach Craig Starcevich and chief executive Bree Brock, who were desperate that the 2017 best and fairest winner and two-time All Australian midfielder be available for the 2019 season.
So the Lions put strategies in place to help protect Bates from the sun, including manufacturing a long-sleeve jersey, which turned heads this season when it was worn by a number of players in the round-one fixture against GWS.
With the team playing most of their matches during the day at a time when the temperature was at its highest, initially their choice to wear long sleeves was an interesting one.
But for Bates's teammates it was a way for them to show their support.
Teammates wear jerseys because 'they looked cool'
Bates is rarely seen without a long-sleeve jersey when training but the "renowned sweater" said having her arms covered up during a match made her far too hot and uncomfortable.
"I've been wearing zinc all over my body and on my face and neckline for games," Bates said.
"I have to be cautious now, it's not ideal for me to be in the sun all the time but I just have to take extra care."
While Bates has not worn the long sleeve jersey while playing, 11 of her teammates asked to wear one and it quickly became a staple on matchdays during the Lions' 2019 campaign.
She is not fussed if this was because players wanted protection from the sun or simply liked the look of wearing long sleeves during a match, as it is all about promoting the message of sun safety.
"Originally the girls got them because they thought they looked cool but it ended up being a pretty good sun safety message in the end," Bates said.
"It is an important message to reinstate to everyone, how important it is to look after your skin."
Bates is still waiting for someone to "work out some high-tech material" so she can also join the Lions' long-sleeve brigade without getting too hot.
Even if that does not come about she is happy to take on the role as an unlikely advocate for sun safety.
"I never expected to be in this position but now that I'm in it it's a great position to be in," Bates said.
"I don't think many people realise the effect the sun can have on your skin. While the skin cancers I have are highly treatable it's just better to not have them at all.
"So it's important to get the message to girls and boys early, put on some sunscreen, chuck on a hat, wear your collar up otherwise you'll regret it later."
Topics: australian-football-league, sport, health, diseases-and-disorders, skin-cancer, brisbane-4000