The new ‘Change Your Routine’ video campaign warns of the dangers of skin cancer, with supportive resources for workers and employers that model how, when and where to protect their skin at work.
Professor Tracey O’Brien, Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW says you may not be able to see or feel UV, but it’s ever present, even on cool and cloudy days.
“It’s a misconception that UV radiation is only harmful during summer, with high UV index levels present in NSW from August to May,” Professor O’Brien said.
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“Ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and for those working in agriculture, construction, roads and our backyards, the risk of developing skin cancer is even greater.
“Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented if we follow the advice that has been drummed into us for decades – when outdoors, slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a wide brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. It can truly save lives.”
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with two out of three Australians treated for skin cancer during their lifetime. Not all skin cancers can simply be cut out, with men over 40 years of age 2.5 times more likely to die from melanoma than women of the same age.
“There are simple measures employers can take to protect their staff, like setting up shade areas using gazebos or awnings, attaching sun protection to helmets, providing employees with sunscreen and breathable full length work wear and ensuring workers follow other sun safety measures,” Professor O’Brien said.
The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is high, at three or above. Daily UV index levels can be monitored at myuv.com.au.
Source: Cancer Institute NSW
