Sun Protection
Skin cancer is a disease of the body's cells caused by overexpure to the ultraviolet radiation in the sun's rays or from other sources such as solariums or sunbeds.
Keeping our skin safe is as easy as Slip Slop Slap - just like all those TV ads say. There are a number of principles we can use to ensure:
- try to reduce outdoor activities during the high ultraviolet times of 10am to 3pm - or at least try and stay in shady areas;
- slip on clothing that covers as much exposed skin as practical - a long sleeved shirt and pants are ideal;
- slop on a SPF 30+ sunscreen to any skin that is uncovered and reapply at least every two hours; and
- slap on a broad brimmed hat.
If you are worried about a mole or a growth on your skin - get it checked out by your doctor of health clinic as soon as possible. Early detection of all forms of skin cancer leads to a cure in 95 per cent of all cases.
A potential skin cancer can be:
- a spot that looks different from other spots around it;
- a spot thats changed colour, size or shape over the last few weeks or months; or
- a flat spot, this could be an early melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.