Australians love the outdoors! Whether it be playing sport, hiking, a picnic in the park or a day at the beach.

 

​

Is there really a problem?

 

• Over 2.4 million Australians will be burnt on an average summers weekend

• 2 out of 3 Australians will develop skin cancer by the age of 70

• Australia and New Zealand have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world

• 95% of melanomas are caused through UV radiation

• Melanoma is the 3rd most common cancer in Australia (AIHW Cancer in Australia, 2019)

• Up to 90% of skin aging is due to the effects of the sun

 

​

So what is the solution?

​

Using sunscreens, protective clothing and seeking shade are all recommended to help prevent sunburn. The problem is that we just don't know when the sunscreen has worn off or if it hasn't been applied properly. On a high UV index day you may only need as little as 10 minutes unprotected in the sun to start to burn.  Over time the sunburn will heal but it's the future impact of this exposure that is potentially far more serious.

​

​