SunSmart is our nationally and internationally renowned skin cancer prevention program.
Most cancers diagnosed in Australia each year are skin cancers. Every year, more than 1600 Australians die from skin cancer. Yet it's almost totally preventable.
Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes in the midday summer sun. The longer your unprotected skin is in the sun, the greater your risk of getting skin cancer. It's not safe to get a tan at a solarium either – you’re being exposed to damaging ultraviolet rays that increase your risk of skin cancer.
Whenever UV radiation levels reach 3 (moderate) and above, sun protection is required. At that level UV radiation is intense enough to damage the skin and contribute to the risk of skin cancer. In Victoria from September to April, UV radiation levels are 3 and above for most of the day. Particular care should be taken between 10 am and 2 pm (11 am and 3 pm daylight saving time) when UV radiation levels reach their peak.
The SunSmart UV Alert is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when the UV Index is forecast to reach 3 and above. It's reported in most daily newspapers and some television and radio weather forecasts across Australia.
Take the following steps when the SunSmart UV Alert indicates the UV Index is at 3 or above.
1. Slip on some sun-protective clothing.
2. Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards.
3. Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
4. Seek shade.
5. Slide on some sunglasses: make sure they meet Australian Standards.
Take extra care between 10 am and 3 pm when UV Index levels reach their peak.
Look for the UV Alert on the weather page of your daily newspaper or at www.bom.gov.au/weather/uv
Go to the doctor if you have a lesion that doesn’t heal, a mole that has suddenly appeared or started to bleed, or one that has changed its size, thickness, shape or colour.
Visit the SunSmart website www.sunsmart.com.au for more information.
Updated August 2007
Video: Behaviour & cancer prevention (Length 1:12)
with Professor David Hill
