November 18-24 is National Skin Cancer Action Week
Each year Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists come together for National Skin Cancer Action Week.
With two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, the action week is an important reminder of the risks of exposure to UV radiation, the need for sun protection and early skin cancer detection for all Australians. More than 2,000 people in Australia die from skin cancer each year, and Cancer Council estimates that Australia spends more than $1 billion per year treating skin cancer, with costs increasing substantially over the past few years. Most skin cancers can be prevented by the use of good sun protection, yet too many Australians still have a tan. Despite many Australians referring to a “healthy tan”, a tan is not a sign of good health or well-being. In fact, tanning is a sign that you have been exposed to enough UV radiation to damage your skin. This will eventually cause premature ageing – including sun spots, wrinkles and sagging. Worst of all it increases your risk of skin cancer.
That’s why this National Skin Cancer Action Week and throughout summer Cancer Council is encouraging everyone to #OwnYourTone and embrace your natural skin tone. During National Skin Cancer Action Week and throughout summer, use the five forms of sun protection and #OwnYourTone by:
slip on sun-protective clothing
slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
slap on a broad-brimmed hat
seek shade
slide on sunglasses.