You may have heard the term “UV” before. But what does it actually mean?
UV stands for ultraviolet radiation. It comes directly from the sun, and it’s responsible for up to 99% of all skin cancers in Australia.
If we get too much of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, it can cause damage to our cells, which can lead to skin cancer.
It’s true that we need vitamin D for good health, and while vitamin D can be found in food, the best source is from the sun. However, for most people, we can get enough vitamin D from just spending a few minutes outdoors. People who are at risk of vitamin D deficiency should talk to their doctor, as they may suggest a vitamin D supplement.
UV radiation can be an invisible danger because we can’t actually see it or feel it. So even on cloudy and cool days, we need to be thinking about UV, not heat.
If the UV is at 3 or above, it means the UV is too strong to be outside without protecting our skin. Even if you don’t typically burn, you can still be experiencing sun damage.
Every day in Queensland, the UV index will reach 3 or above at some point in the day, so sun protection needs to be a priority all year round for anyone living in our sunshine state. We’re the skin cancer capital of the world, so it’s so important we’re all thinking about our skin before we head outdoors.
The good news is skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
You can check the UV at any time by heading to the SunSmart website, or by downloading the SunSmart app.