Remember when the index hits 3, cover up from UV
In Victoria, we are so lucky to live in a beautiful state with beaches and bushland to explore. And summer is a fantastic time to be outdoors with friends and family. But living in Victoria also means the UV will consistently reach above three right up until April.
Skin cancer is Australia’s most common and costly cancer. However, it is also one of the more preventable cancers, as over 95 per cent of melanoma skin cancers and 99 per cent of non-melanoma cases are the result of over exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. This means if you are outdoors without sun protection, the sun’s UV can cause damage to your skin.
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So, when you go out, don’t let cancer in, be sure to use all five forms of sun protection. If you forget, use our iconic catch phrase to remember “slip, slop, slap, seek and slide”.
The five forms of sun protection to remember this summer:
- Slip – Wear protective clothing. If the fabric doesn’t let much light through, it won’t let much UV through either. The more skin you cover, the more protected you are from the sun’s harmful UV.
- Slop - Applying SPF50+ sunscreen to any parts of your body not covered by clothing or a hat. Remember to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you head outside and reapply as directed.
- Slap - Wear a wide brim, legionnaire or bucket hat that protects your skin and eyes.
- Seek – When you’re enjoying the great outdoors, be sure to place an extra barrier between you and the sun, from the simple shade of trees to umbrellas or gazebos.
- Slide - Wear sunglasses that are labelled with UV protection and cover your eyes fully to protect them from all angles.
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This summer, find the daily UV level on the SunSmart Global UV app
UV radiation can’t be seen or felt and can be harmful on warm, sunny days and on cool, cloudy days too.
Our free SunSmart Global UV app puts sun protection advice at your fingertips, so you know when UV levels can damage your skin leading to skin cancer – wherever you are in the world.
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So, remember, when the index hits 3, cover up from UV.
Learn more and download today
Cancer Council x Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne is an Australian award-winning podcaster, radio host, author, and much-loved media personality. Laura knows the importance of protecting her whole family from damaging UV rays over a hot Aussie summer. As a mum of young girls, Marlie-Mae and Lola, with an active, beach loving lifestyle, Laura likes to make sun protection fun with stylish hats, colourful sunnies and swimwear and of course, sunscreen made just for delicate skin.
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