Protect your skin against harsh winter sun
Toowoomba Hospital is reminding residents to protect themselves against the harsh sun – even in the colder months.
One in 20 Queenslanders are predicted to develop melanoma in their lifetime and if detected early skin cancer can be successfully treated.
Executive director nursing & midwifery, Mark Kearin, said skin cancer was largely preventable.
“Even on cloudy, cold winter days ultra-violet (UV) radiation can be at high levels in Queensland and this is why sun protection is important in all seasons,” Mr Kearin said.
“Research conducted in 2008 found in the winter months, fewer people practise sun safety. Only 12% reported doing all five methods of recommended sun protection.
“The key ways to reduce skin cancer incidence are through sun safe behaviours that reduce exposure to UV radiation from the sun.”
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves in five ways when outdoors:
- Seek shade
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Wear broad-brimmed hats
- Use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
Fact sheets on sun safety are available from the Queensland Health web site http://www.health.qld.gov.au/sunsafety/skin_cancer/default.asp
