General News
18 January, 2024
Campaign urges sun safety
With melanoma diagnoses almost 50 percent more likely in regional areas, SunSmart Victoria is ramping up a campaign aimed at raising awareness and education around skin cancer prevention. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the...
With melanoma diagnoses almost 50 percent more likely in regional areas, SunSmart Victoria is ramping up a campaign aimed at raising awareness and education around skin cancer prevention.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, which is caused by continued exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light generated by the sun.
The Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) has projected melanoma diagnoses could rise by 24 percent in the next decade in Victoria.
The VCR also states that melanoma accounted for eight percent of all cancer diagnoses in 2022, with 2885 new patients in Victoria.
Head of SunSmart Victoria, Emma Glassenbury said the Don’t Let Cancer In campaign aims to be a constant reminder of the dangers the sun can cause when unprotected.
“The campaign is sending a clear message that repeated exposure to the sun’s UV can have very serious consequences on your health and cause skin cancer,” she said.
“It is also driving home the importance of self-protection, which includes wearing protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, applying high SPF sunscreen and seeking shade.”
The 2022 Summer Sun Protection Survey found only one in six Victorians knew skin protection is needed when the UV index hits three.
Ms Glassenbury said skin cancer can almost be entirely prevented if the UV index is understood properly.
“As soon as the UV level reaches three, that is the tipping point to when UV levels can cause serious skin cell damage,” she said.
“I think a lot of people use the weather as a guide to when sun protection is required — it is important to realise the UV levels can still be damaging even on very cloudy days.”
The VCR report also discovered regional Victorians are 10 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and melanoma diagnoses in regional Victoria is 47 percent higher compared to residents in major cities.
The country lifestyle plays a contributing factor towards these increased dangers, according to Ms Glassenbury.
“It is likely to do with more activities and occupations requiring time outside and not having that adequate protection when outside,” she said.
“It is really important for regional Victorians to make sun protection a part of their daily routine.
“Even every day activities like gardening or walking the dog can be a risk without protection, especially during this time of the year.”
As part of the campaign, SunSmart Victoria has advocated for people to download the SunSmart Global UV App.
Ms Glassenbury said the app’s a valuable tool towards skin cancer safety.
“The app provides a sun protection guide right around the globe — it tells you the UV rating, what protection you need and the timeframe when you are most vulnerable,” she said.
For more information, go to sunsmart.com.au.