Queensland sunburn stats a warning as Autumn kicks in

Cancer Council is warning against sun safety complacency as Autumn kicks in, with the latest figures showing 53 per cent of Queensland adults and 60 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.

The newest data from the Preventive Health Survey* serves as a warning for Queenslanders – with the risk of sun damage and sunburn high in Queensland all year round.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said Queenslanders needed sun protection on most days of the year – regardless of the weather or temperature.

“Whenever the UV Index is three or above, Queenslanders need to take sun safety seriously and follow our five recommended sun protective behaviours,” Ms Clift said.

“During Autumn, UV levels will be high from around 8:30am until 4pm – and will reach extreme levels.

“Skin damage and sunburn at these levels can occur in as little as 10 minutes if people are outdoors, unprotected from the sun during Autumn.

“UV is not linked to temperature – so even on cooler or cloudier days than what we have experienced in Summer – sun protection is still required.

“We urge Queenslanders to 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 to best reduce the risk of skin cancer.”

Cancer Council encouraged Queenslanders to download the SunSmart app, to stay up-to-date with real-time UV levels during Autumn.

“Along with a seven-day weather forecast, the app has a sunscreen calculator function – to help Queenslanders know how much sunscreen they should use for maximum coverage,” Ms Clift said.

“A sun protection alert with daily reminders can be set up for users too – the app is free to download on tablets or smartphones.”

In Queensland each year, around 3600 people are diagnosed with melanoma, and about 350,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are treated.

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at cancerqld.org.au or via 13 11 20.

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Queensland stats:

Queensland:

• 53 per cent of Queensland adults and 60 per cent of Queensland children are sunburnt every year.
• Around 3600 Queenslanders are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and about 350,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are treated.

Far North Queensland:

• 55 per cent of Far North Queensland adults and 62 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.
• Around 187 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and locals have a 1 in 16 chance of being diagnosed by age 85.

North Queensland:

• 58 per cent of North Queensland adults and 63 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.
• Around 180 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and about 18 people die from the disease.

Central Queensland:

• 58 per cent of Central Queensland adults and 65 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year – the second highest sunburn rates in the state.
• Around 137 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and about 17 people die from the disease.

Mackay:

• 63 per cent of Mackay adults and 69 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.
• Around 85 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and locals have a 1 in 19 chance of being diagnosed with melanoma before age 85.

Wide Bay:

• 52 per cent of Wide Bay adults and 62 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.
• Around 200 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and 30 die from the disease.

Sunshine Coast:

• 54 per cent of Sunshine Coast adults and 64 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.
• Around 460 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and about 50 people will die from the disease.

Gold Coast:

• 54 per cent of Gold Coast adults and 54 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.
• Around 520 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and about 40 people will die from the disease.

South-West Queensland:

• 53 per cent of South West Queensland adults and 62 per cent of kids get sunburnt every year.
• Around 282 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and about 24 people die from the disease.