With summer fast approaching, Cancer Council WA is urging all Western Australian to brush up on their sun protection knowledge with a recent survey showing that 19 per cent of WA adults rarely or never use sunscreen.
Sunsmart manager, Mark Strickland, said recent survey results showed that there was still a reluctance to use sunscreen by some adults.
“Our figures indicate that around 65 per cent of all adults and teens do use sunscreen “always or usually” when they are outside,” Mr Strickland said.
“However, we need to see that figure rise if we are going to continue to reduce skin cancer in WA as 16 per cent of West Aussies tell us they use sunscreen only sometimes.
“Using sunscreen regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma, yet daily sunscreen use in Australia is below 20 per cent.
“In addition, we know that many Australians don’t apply enough sunscreen for adequate protection.”
Mr Strickland said that Being SunSmart was a simple and effective way of reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.
“Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70, and every year 2,000 people die from this disease,” he said.
“Most skin cancers can be treated if found early so it’s is important that you learn how to check your skin for the early signs of skin cancer.”
Cancer Council WA recommends applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside. When applying sunscreen you need at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back and one for the head. A full body application for an adult should be at least 35mls or seven teaspoons.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you are spending time outdoors and after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
Sunscreen should always be used in combination with other sun protection measures including SunSmart clothing, broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses and seeking shade whenever the UV index reaches three or above.
Please visit the Cancer Council retail shop located at 334 Rokeby Road Subiaco, for sun production products and information.
