Be Sunsmart!

Skin cancer is extremely common in Queensland, due to our high UV index. There are 3 main skin cancers: squamous cell cancer, basal cell cancer and melanoma. Melanomas are rated as the 5th most common cause of cancer related deaths in Australia. 2000 people in Australia die from skin cancer. Here are some tips for staying safe in the sun: 

Babies and kids:  

Any sunburn is a significant contributor to skin cancer late in life. 

Teenagers and adolescents: 

Research shows that 1 in 4 (26 per cent) of teenagers are getting sunburnt on weekends. Studies have demonstrated that UV exposure during the first 18 years of life is the factor which has the biggest impact on your future risk of skin cancer. But despite this alarming statistic, 38 per cent of teenagers still want to tan. Not only that, for you ladies out there, the sun’s strong rays age your skin, making it pigmented and wrinkly in later life...save your good looks. 

Cut your risk of skin cancer:

Most skin cancer can be prevented by the use of good sun protection. 

• slip on sun-protective clothing 

• slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours 

• slap on a broad-brimmed hat 

• seek shade 

• slide on sunglasses and help prevent those fleshy growths which grow over your eyes: pterygiums. 

“SCAN” your skin:  

By getting to know your skin and regularly self-examining for signs of damage, you can help to catch cancer early.  Let your doctor know if you notice something that is “Sore”, “Changing”, “Abnormal” or “New” and give yourself the best chance of successful treatment, plus book in for your regular skin checks with Dr Anna, at Stradbroke Island Medical Centre. 

Use the Melanoma Risk Assessment Tool at

https://melanomarisk.org.au

to help predict your risk of a melanoma.

Did you know?  

That applying daily sunscreen (we recommend reef safe sunscreens, free of oxybenzones) can not only help prevent skin cancer, but it can actually help treat some of the precancerous scaly lesions that may arise as one gets older. 

Also, Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide), at 500mg twice daily can also help the skin cell’s DNA repair itself from UV related damage. 

You can download the Sunsmart app for lots of keeping safe in the sun tips.