The Cancer Institute NSW is raising concerns that La Nina weather conditions may lead people to put themselves at risk of potentially deadly skin cancer.
Skin protection is important when the UV level is three or above – this is likely throughout summer, even when the sun isn’t shining.
With this season set to be a damp and grey, Nikki Woolley, Manager of the Skin and Lifestyle Cancer portfolio at the Cancer Institute NSW, says it has never been more important to get the message out that UV radiation, not sunshine, is what can have potentially deadly consequences.
“Two-in-three people in NSW will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70 and more than ten people across the state die each week from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” says Ms Woolley.
“When the UV is three or above, you need to follow the five steps to protect your skin – slip on protective clothes, slap on hat, slop on some 50+ sunscreen, seek shade and slide on some sunnies.”
Protect yourself, regardless of the sun
La Nina conditions are due to continue until the end of summer, but Ms Wooley says the following months will still record the highest UV periods, which could have a significant impact on their skin cancer risk.
Despite cloudy weather and showers predicted for much of this summer across NSW, the UV rating is expected to ‘extreme’ which means sun protection needed from around 8.30am to 5pm.
“The lack of sunshine should not be a deterrent to applying high spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen and protecting your eyes with UV graded sunglasses,” Ms Wooley says.
“We know that on cloudy days where you can’t see the sun’s rays or feel the heat, many people believe they are safe from the harmful effects of UV. In fact, even on this week’s gloomy days the UV will reach extreme levels.
“Our message is simple, whether the sun is out or not, protect yourself, your children and your loved ones and slip, slop slap to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.”
The Cancer Institute NSW recently launched a new campaign to encourage young people across the state to protect their skin.
Source: Cancer Institute NSW
Find out more about the new campaign and how you can get involved.
