Antinuclear

Cancer Council Queensland warns on UV radiation danger

Mackay sun-lovers face a deadly risk for a tan, Daily Mercury, 15 Sept 14 FAR too many of Mackay’s young residents sizzle their skin – risking a leathery complexion and cancer – for the love of a good tan.

The Cancer Council Queensland says its figures show more than 83% of Mackay residents aged 18-34 get sunburnt each year. The sunburn figures drop back to 63 % for people aged 35-54, and to 28% for those aged over 55.

This averages out to around 60% of adults getting sunburnt every year. With summer fast approaching and the UV risk increasing, Cancer Council Queensland is again warning of the dangers of too much exposure to the sun.

Cancer Council spokeswoman Katie Clift said sunburn was linked to all skin cancers, including potentially deadly melanomas.

“Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world,” Ms Clift said.

“Around 3000 melanoma and 133,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed across the state each year.

“In Mackay alone, around 80 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year.

“And about 99% of all skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to UV radiation.”……http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/sun-worshippers-face-a-deadly-risk/2386302/

September 16, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News