As shocking statistics continue to pop up like blisters in the sun, Cancer Council Queensland is warning against sun safety complacency ahead of the Easter break.
The latest figures show that around 2.1 million Queensland adults and 394,000 kids get sunburnt every year* and one in 12 Queenslanders will be diagnosed with melanoma by the age of 85.**
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said with the weather cooling, it was important for Queenslanders to remember there is no link between temperature and ultraviolet radiation (UV).
“It is important for us to reinforce the message that it’s ultraviolet radiation that is the major cause of skin cancer – and that UV can’t be seen or felt,” Ms McMillan said.
“Whenever the UV Index is three or above, Queenslanders need to take sun safety seriously and follow our five recommended sun protective behaviours, even on cloudy or cool days.
“While long sleeves are a staple during the cooler months, it’s important people don’t forget to wear a broad-brimmed hat, slop on minimum SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and wear wrap-around sunglasses when they step outside.
“It’s also imperative that we all continue to seek shade where possible too, as it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce UV exposure.”
Ms McMillan encouraged Queenslanders to download the SunSmart app, to stay up-to-date with real-time UV levels during Autumn.
“A sun protection alert with daily reminders can be set up for users and the app is free to download on tablets or smartphones,” Ms McMillan said.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland and sun safety is available at cancerqld.org.au or via 13 11 20.
ENDS
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Lisa Maynard, Manager, Public Relations and Social Media, Cancer Council Queensland
0488 015 702 or lisamaynard@cancerqld.org.au
*Statistics from the Health of Queenslanders Report 2018 by the Chief Health Officer: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/research-reports/reports/public-health/cho-report/current/full#3
- 54.3 per cent of Queensland adults were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 67.7 per cent of adults in the Torres and Cape Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 53.4 per cent of adults in the Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 59.9 per cent of adults in the Townsville Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 56.6 per cent of adults in the North West Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 59.6 per cent of adults in the Mackay Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 44.2 per cent of adults in the Central West Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 59.2 per cent of adults in the Central Queensland Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 48.9 per cent of adults in the Wide Bay Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 50.6 per cent of adults in the Sunshine Coast Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 52.2 per cent of adults in the Darling Downs Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 54.8 per cent of adults in the South West Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 50.9 per cent of adults in the Metro North Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 50.6 per cent of adults in the Metro South Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 54.8 per cent of adults in the West Moreton Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
- 52.7 per cent of adults in the Gold Coast Health and Hospital Service area were sunburnt in the previous 12 months
**Statistics from the Queensland Cancer Register
- Around 3,600 Queenslanders are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 195 Far North Queensland locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 185 Northern Queensland locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 90 Mackay region locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 150 Central Queensland locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 220 Wide Bay-Burnett locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 495 Sunshine Coast region locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 305 South West Queensland locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 1,405 Brisbane region locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year
- Around 555 Gold Coast region locals are diagnosed with melanoma each year