Tips on staying sun safe this summer

THERE may not have been consistent sunny days so far this summer, but it’s important to remember to be sun safe on the days that do, and even don’t, warm up.

The iconic Cancer Council ‘SunSmart’ campaign of more than 40 years to ‘slip, slop, slap’ continues, encouraging people to protect themselves from ultraviolet light outdoors by slipping on a long-sleeved top, slopping on some SPF 30 sunscreen, and slapping on a broad brimmed hat, but there are a couple of newer additions.

The two extra things Sid the Seagull suggests you can do to protect yourself from the sun, and from skin cancer, include seeking shade, whether that be under an umbrella, a shelter, or a tree, and sliding on some sunglasses.

But Cancer Council Victoria’s head of SunSmart Emma Glassenbury said men are currently the most at risk of developing melanoma, with only 35 per cent regularly using sunscreen, and only just over half seeking shade in days of high UV.

“Males are twice as likely to die from melanoma than women. We want Victorian men to protect their skin by using all five forms of sun protection,” she said.

“Just as you would protect your family, property or belongings, using sun protection including protective clothing, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and seeking shade are the essential steps every man should take to protect his health against skin cancer and to be there for their loved ones.”

Although skin cancer is preventable by being SunSmart, according to the Cancer Council, nearly 2000 Australians still die with skin cancer annually, and melanoma diagnoses are 44 per cent higher in regional Victoria than the city.