Dust off your wide-brim corkscrew hats and Aussie flag board shorts – it’s time for Australia Day and Cancer Council is urging all Queenslanders to enjoy it the SunSmart way!
With temperatures across Brisbane set to soar to a hot 36 degrees this weekend, it is important for all taking part in Australia Day celebrations to take sun protective measures.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said Queenslanders must remember the dangers of scorching temperatures, and protect themselves from the sun.
“Where possible, people should avoid sun exposure – especially during periods of extreme heat, at the peak of the day,” Ms Clift said.
“We recommend Queenslanders abide by all five recommendations – Slip on protective clothing, Slop on minimum SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on wrap-around sunnies when out and about.
“Sunscreen or wearing a hat alone isn’t enough – we need to make the effort to do all we can to protect ourselves in hot weather, to reduce our skin cancer risk.
“Keep yourself and your family cool – stay in air-conditioning, drink as much water as possible and schedule outdoor activities when the UV Index is below 3.
“It’s also imperative that families apply sunscreen properly – use one teaspoon per limb, for the front and back of the trunk, face and neck, and ensure you apply 20 minutes before going outdoors.
“It’s also important to carry sunscreen with you when out and about, to make sure you reapply every two hours.”
Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Around 3,000 melanoma and 133,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed across the state each year.
In Brisbane alone, around 1096 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year. Around 99 per cent of all skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
Sun protection is required when the UV Index is 3 and above. In Queensland, the UV Index is 3 and above all year round, so Cancer Council Queensland encourages sun protection through every season.
Queenslanders can join the QUEST to stay SunSmart every day at www.quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171