With 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, the action week is an important reminder of the risks of exposure to UV radiation, the need for sun protection and early skin cancer detection for all Australians.
Did you know:
- More than 2,000 people in Australia die from skin cancer each year.
- Cancer Council estimates that Australia spends more than $1 billion per year treating skin cancer.
- Every 4 minutes another Australian is diagnosed with skin cancer.
- Most skin cancers can be prevented by the use of good sun protection.
- Surveys show that one in four (26%) of teenagers between the age of 12-17 get sunburnt on summer weekends.
- Despite many Australians referring to a “healthy tan”, a tan is not a sign of good health or well being. In fact, tanning is a sign that you have been exposed to enough UV radiation to damage your skin. This will eventually cause premature aging – including sun spots, wrinkles and sagging, and increases your risk of skin cancer.
Make the pledge today to protect yourself from UV radiation and abstain from tanning.
During National Skin Cancer Action Week and throughout summer, use the five forms of sun protection by:
- slip on sun-protective clothing
- slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- seek shade
- slide on sunglasses.
A combination of these measures, along with getting to know your skin and regularly checking for any changes, are the keys to reducing your skin cancer risk.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/campaigns-and-events/national-skin-cancer-action-week.html