Get the point on sun safety
AS the weather warms up, North Queensland residents have again been warned of the dangers posed by too much exposure to the sun.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said Queensland had the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
“It’s vital that we are protecting our skin from harmful effects of UV radiation when outdoors, particularly in our Queensland sun,” she said.
Many people believe sun protection is only required in the middle of the day, or when the sun is out; however, this is not the case.
Ms McMillan said sun protection was required when the UV index was three and above, which in Queensland was all year round
Residents are also urged to remember to use all forms of protection for outdoor play as opposed to assuming you are covered with just sunscreen or merely a cap.
“We recommend Queenslanders use all five methods of sun protection to adequately protect their skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life,” Ms McMillan said.
“Slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF30 or above broad- spectrum, water- resistant sunscreen, slap on a broadbrimmed hat, seek shade and slide on wraparound sunglasses.”
Each year on average in North Queensland about 179 people are diagnosed with melanoma and 18 people die from the disease.
Visit cancerqld. org. au