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Cancer Council launches summer challenge
The Cancer Council SA is launching the Summer Challenge, calling on all South Australians to get through this summer without receiving a sunburn.
Cancer Council chief executive Associate Professor Brenda Wilson said people should be able to achieve skin that looks almost as smooth and young as that of skin on a baby’s bottom. “All of our skin should look like the skin on our bottoms where we rarely receive sun exposure,” she said. “If there is a difference between skin on the arms and that on the bottom, it’s an indication that a person has received sun damage and is at increased risk of developing skin cancer.”
University students Caitlin Carey, Elise Partington and Sam Franzway are taking the Summer Challenge and are determined not to become one of the 1 in 3 South Australians who burn each summer.
Fair-skinned Ms Carey said she was particularly worried about tanning or burning.
“I have very pale skin and Irish heritage,” she said. “I burn very quickly if I receive sun exposure.
“My family has a history of skin cancer, with my grandparents having a number of skin cancers removed. I don’t want to have my skin scarred or to get cancer.”
Head of Dermatology at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Dr Cathy Reid said people only need to have burned a few times to have caused enough damage for skin cancer to develop. “This is the most preventable of cancers, we have a “miracle cure:” cover up with clothing, wear a broad brimmed hat, slide on some sunnies, seek shade and regularly apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, it’s simple.” Associate Professor Wilson said despite most people knowing what action to take, only 12 per cent of South Australians adequately protected themselves from the sun. “About half regularly wear a hat or SPF 30+ sunscreen and only 28 per cent regularly wear clothing that covers the arms and legs,” she said. “The accumulative affect of sun tans and sunburns means South Australia could be facing a significant rise in melanoma and other skin cancers as the population ages.” “We’re calling on South Australian’s to turn those figures around and take the Summer Challenge to avoid becoming another statistic.” To find out more about protecting your skin and the Summer Challenge call 13 11 20 or go to www.sunsmart.org.au
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Media contact: Jessica Playford on 8291 4119 or 0400 855 244
The Cancer Council South Australia, 202 Greenhill Road Eastwood Ph. 8291 4111 Fax 8291 4122  Top |
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