Being sun smart

The Cancer Council of Australia recommends the following steps to protect against sun damage when the UV Index is at 3 or above:

1. Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
2. Apply broad spectrum and water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every 2 hours afterwards.
3. Put on a hat that protects your face, neck and ears.
4. Seek some shade.
5. Wear some UV protective sunglasses that meet Australian Standards.

Extra care should be taken between 10am and 3pm when UV rays reach their peak.

 

Skin cancer

All Australians are at risk of skin cancer. The risk increases as you get older due to the overall amount of sun exposure received. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is linked to bursts of sun exposure. However, the total amount of sun exposure over a lifetime is also important.

Most skin cancers can be prevented by following the simple sun-protective measures as recommended above by the Cancer Council of Australia.

 

UV Index forecast

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues a UV Index forecast everyday. The forecast is available in most daily newspapers and at the BOM website.
Visit www.bom.gov.au/weather/uv.