Stay Sun Smart This Summer

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. According to the Cancer Council, more than two in three of us will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in our lifetime. As we head into warmer months and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays grow stronger, it’s important to reduce your and your family’s risk of developing skin cancer. At Laurimar Medical Centre, we believe prevention is the key.

FACTS ON THIS PAGE

Top 5 Sun Smart Tips

Keep things simple, remember these five sun smart steps:

  1. Slip on protective clothing. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and garments with a UPF rating.
  2. Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Use SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours (or more if swimming/sweating).
  3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. Cover your face, neck, and ears.
  4. Seek shade. Especially during peak UV periods (usually between 10 am and 4 pm in summer).
  5. Slide on sunglasses. Use wraparound styles with UV protection to shield the eyes and delicate skin around them.

What’s the Best Protection Sunscreen to Use and Why?

The ideal sunscreen is broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB), SPF 50+, and water-resistant. Sunscreen is not a set-and-forget measure. It should be applied generously and reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, to be as effective as possible. For greater protection, combine sunscreen with shade, protective clothing, and regular skin checks.

What Is the UV Index and What Does It Mean?

The UV index is a standard measure of how strong the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is at a particular time and place. When the UV index reaches 3 or higher, sun protection is recommended. The higher the index, the faster your skin can be damaged. Weather apps and websites, including the Bureau of Meteorology’s app and website, often provide the UV index predictions daily.

Sun Protection for Babies and Children

Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight entirely — using shade, protective clothing, hats, and stroller covers. For older children, apply sunscreen to exposed skin, dress them in UPF clothing, and encourage breaks in the shade.

Teaching Kids to Be Sun Smart

Start early! Schools and childcare services often adopt SunSmart policies to foster protective habits. At home, you can access educational online and print resources to teach your children about UV, skin health, and safe sun behaviours. Also, making sun safety a routine (e.g., reapplying sunscreen every few hours) and role modelling sun smart behaviour helps build positive lifelong habits.

Keep an Eye on Your Skin for Skin Cancer

Regular self-examination is crucial. Get to know your moles and spots — look for changes in shape, size, colour, or new marks. If you notice anything suspicious, don’t delay in contacting your GP. Early detection significantly improves skin cancer outcomes. Sun damage can lead to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.

How Your GP Can Help with Skin Protection and Skin Cancer Prevention

Your GP can help with:

  • Assessing your skin cancer risk factors.
  • Performing skin checks or mole mapping.
  • Referring you to a dermatologist or specialist if needed.
  • Advising on sunscreen selection and usage.
  • Monitoring and diagnosing suspicious lesions early.

But don’t wait for symptoms — an annual skin check is a smart investment in your health!

Trusted Australian SunSmart and Sun Protection Resources

Here are a few sources you can turn to for reliable information:

  1. SunSmart — comprehensive sun protection advice, UV forecasts, tools.
  2. Cancer Council — SunSmart in Schools — curriculum and policy for schools.
  3. Generation SunSmart — educational resources for schools and early childhood.

Contact Laurimar Medical Centre

We prioritise good skin health! Book a skin check or consultation at Laurimar Medical Centre today to discuss prevention and treatment.

Related posts:

  1. Winter Skin Care Advice
  2. Iron Infusions at Laurimar Medical Centre
  3. Protecting Against Measles
Leave a reply