Health News

SKIN CANCER ACTION WEEK 16 -22nd November

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. This is largely due to our climate, our proximity to the equator and our love of the great outdoors. Fortunately, being SunSmart is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Cancer Council recommends a five-step approach to sun protection when the SunSmart UV Alert is 3 or above.

Protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer:

  • SLIP ON SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - look for clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Look for material with high UV Protection Factor (UPF)
  • SLOP ON SPF 30+ or 50+ SUNSCREEN - Sunscreen should not be relied on as the only form of sun protection. No sunscreen provides 100% UV protection - remember to use in combination with protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
  • SLAP ON A HAT - Slap on a hat that provides as much shade as possible to your face, head, neck, ears and eyes. There are three main styles of hats that provide adequate sun protection:
  • Broad brimmed - brim of at least 7.5 cm
  • Bucket or 'surfie-style' hats - with deep crown and brim of at least 6cm
  • Legionnaire hats, which have a flap that covers the neck.
  • Baseball caps and visors are not recommended as they leave the ears, sides of face and back of the neck exposed.
  • SEEK SHADE- Staying in the shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce sun exposure, but remember that other sun protection measures (clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) should also be used to avoid reflected UV radiation.
  • SLIDE ON SOME SUNGLASSES- When choosing sunglasses look for:
  • Frames that fit close to the face
  • Wrap around styles that reduce UV entering from the sides.

Jenny Hill
College Nurse

  • Source: Cancer Council WA
  • *REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR SKIN REGULARLY AND SEE A DOCTOR IF YOU NOTICE ANY UNUSUAL SKIN CHANGES.