The Cancer Council SA is warning South Australians not to get a life endangering burn or tan as the temperature hits the 30s on the first day of National Skin Cancer Action Week, today (Sunday).

The Cancer Council’s chief executive Associate Professor Brenda Wilson says the UV alert is forecast to reach alert levels by 9 am, resulting in unprotected skin being damaged within 15 minutes.

“South Australians should plan their outdoor recreation so they aren’t in the sun during the peak sun alert times and if they can’t avoid the sun, to cover up with clothing, a hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen (and reapply), sunglasses and find shade,” she says.

“These five life-saving steps – will help prevent people becoming one of the 25,000 South Australians diagnosed with skin cancer each year – or one of the 670 diagnosed with the potentially deadly melanoma.

Associate Professor Wilson says melanoma is the most common type of cancer among under 26 year-olds, accounting for 25 per cent of cancer cases.

“While melanoma is a concern among younger people who may have received sun damage, the majority of cases are diagnosed in older South Australians.”

Eighty per cent of South Australians report having skin that burns or burns then tans, putting them at a high risk of developing cancer.

“But only 12% of these high risk people adequately protect their skin with clothing, hat and sunscreen,” Associate Professor Wilson says.

“Skin cancer is the most preventable cancer and National Skin Cancer Action Week is a time for all South Australians to think about what they can do to lower their risk of skin damage and potentially save their own life.”

When the UV index reaches 3 and above, UV radiation is strong enough to damage skin. 

Statistics

 Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world

 Skin cancer is the most common and costly cancer in Australia

 At least 1 out of 2 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer

 Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life contributes significantly 
   to the lifetime risk for skin cancer

 It is estimated that almost all skin cancers could be prevented 
   through the adoption of skin protective behaviours

 Each year more than 380,000 Australians are treated for skin 
   cancer and around 1,600 lose their lives

 About 70 people die from melanoma each year.