Sun safety focus for Ballina students

A MELANOMA prevention program aimed at educating high school students about sun safety has been held in Ballina for the first time.

Xavier Catholic College hosted the Sun Safe Student Ambassador program, run by Melanoma Institute Australia in partnership with Cancer Council NSW. Students from Trinity Catholic College and St John’s College Woodlawn also took part.

Local advocate Sharyn Dorey helped bring the program to the region. She works at Xavier and leads the Ballina Melanoma March. Her daughter, Mikayla Green, was just 24 when she died from melanoma in 2022.

The Far North Coast was identified as a priority area, with Ballina having the highest incidence of melanoma in New South Wales.

“It’s all about prevention and being able to teach and remind kids about sun safety,” Melanoma Institute Australia education program officer Danielle Fischer said.

“The amount of UV exposure you get before your 18th birthday sets up your skin cancer risk for later life.

“We also include a lot of information about the dangers of tanning and how it can lead to sun spots and premature ageing.”

Students and teachers were introduced to UV-sensitive wristbands, dermascopes and other sun safety tools. They were also encouraged to identify needs in their schools and develop their own initiatives to promote sun protection.

Research shows Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world, with one person diagnosed every 30 minutes and one person dying every six hours. It is the most common cancer affecting Australians aged 20 to 39.

“We don’t want to scare kids into staying inside,” Fischer said.

“It’s about teaching them little things that could make a big difference.

“You need sun protection all year round in Ballina because the UV Index is usually above three.”