Antinuclear

Summer is a peak time for sunburn and irreversible sun damage and with many out and about on holidays during this time of year it is essential we remember the five S’s:

• slip on sun-protective clothing,
• slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen,
• slap on a brimmed hat,
• seek shade and
• slide on sunglasses.

For Aussies (particularly Queenslanders), having the highest rates of melanoma in the world is not something we should be proud of.

We can’t use the excuse that we don’t know about the damage too much unprotected sun exposure causes.

We have been educated with campaigns warning us of the dangers for decades.

Yet about 2000 people in Australia still die from skin cancer each year and two in three Aussies are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

These statistics are shocking when you know most skin cancers can be prevented by the use of good sun protection.

Before heading out, check the UV index – a way of describing the daily danger of solar UV radiation intensity – and avoid the peak times.

The higher the UV Index value, the greater the potential for damage to your skin.

The UV Alert in your newspaper shows the time of the day people need to be particularly SunSmart.

Prevention is better than a cure so also have each member of your family’s skin checked regularly.