Scorching figures show Queenslanders are fast increasing their risk of skin cancer, with more than 50 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
More than 72 per cent of Queenslanders aged 18-24 are sunburnt each year, compared to nearly 68 per cent of those aged 25-34 and nearly 65 per cent of those aged 35-54*.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said sunburn caused significant, unrepairable damage to skin cells.
“Sunburn is linked to all skin cancers including melanoma – the most deadly form of the disease,” Ms Clift said.
“What most Queenslanders don’t realise is that sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes, even on cold and overcast days – you can still be sunburnt when the temperature is cool.
“Sun exposure that doesn’t result in burning also damages the skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
“Getting sunburnt doesn’t just occur during a full day at the beach either – Queenslanders are often burnt unexpectedly at sports games, gardening at home or having a barbeque.
“This is an important reminder for all of us to stay SunSmart, and ensure we follow the recommended sun protective behaviours when the UV Index level is three or above.”
Sun protective behaviours are required when the UV Index level is three or above. In Queensland, the UV Index level is three or above all year round.
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.
Around 99 per cent of all skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
“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,” Ms Clift said.
“Sunscreen or wearing a hat alone isn’t enough – we need to make the effort to do all we can to protect ourselves to reduce our skin cancer risk.”
More information about Cancer Council Queensland and staying SunSmart is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
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
Queensland stats:
Far North Queensland:
- More than 53 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year – a rate 14 per cent higher than the Queensland average.
- More than 92 per cent of Tablelands locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to 58 per cent of those aged 35-54 and nearly 30 per cent of those aged over 55.
North Queensland:
- More than 57 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
- More than 76 per cent of Townsville locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to nearly 62 per cent of those aged 35-54 and nearly 28 per cent of those aged over 55.
Central Queensland:
- More than 60 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year – a rate 17 per cent higher than the Queensland average.
- More than 80 per cent of Gladstone locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to 66 per cent of those aged 35-54 and nearly 40 per cent of those aged over 55.
Mackay:
- Nearly 60 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
- More than 83 per cent of Mackay locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to 63 per cent of those aged 35-54 and 28 per cent of those aged over 55.
Wide Bay:
- Nearly 50 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
- More than 82 per cent of Fraser Coast locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to nearly 60 per cent of those aged 35-54 and around 25 per cent of those aged over 55.
Sunshine Coast:
- Nearly 50 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
- More than 75 per cent of Sunshine Coast locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to nearly 59 per cent of those aged 35-54 and 23 per cent of those aged over 55.
Gold Coast:
- Nearly 50 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
- More than 60 per cent of Gold Coast locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to nearly 58 per cent of those aged 35-54 and 28 per cent of those aged over 55.
Brisbane:
- Nearly 50 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
- More than 65 per cent of Brisbane locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to nearly 54 per cent of those aged 35-54 and 23 per cent of those aged over 55.
South-West Queensland:
- More than 50 per cent of adults getting sunburnt every year.
- More than 70 per cent of Toowoomba locals aged 18-34 are sunburnt each year, compared to nearly 60 per cent of those aged 35-54 and 25.5 per cent of those aged over 55.