media contact
	For all media enquiries please contact: Nicole Thomas p. 08 8291 4119 m. 0400 855 244 Email Nicole

With unseasonably high temperatures and extreme UV levels expected on pageant day Cancer Council SA is warning parents of the dangers of exposing children to UV radiation and is encouraging everyone to cover up and protect their skin, or risk permanent skin damage and skin cancer later in life.

The high UV levels and temperatures forecast for the day is a stark reminder of the importance of skin protection.

Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Professor Brenda Wilson says it is vital for parents to protect their children’s skin from sun damage on high UV days (when the UV level is above 3) and take every opportunity to be SunSmart.

“Childhood and adolescence are the most important times for skin protection to lower the risk of skin cancer later in life. Skin damage is permanent and irreversible,” she said.

To protect their skin, pageant goers are encouraged to follow the SunSmart guidelines:

Slip on cover-up clothing to protect the arms and legs

Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen and reapply regularly every 2 hours

Slap on a shady hat that protects the face, neck and ears

Seek shade whenever possible

Slide on some wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eyes.

With the International Horse Trials also being held this weekend, large numbers of South Australians are expected to spend extended periods outside.

Cancer Council SA is warning everyone of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure and to remember the SunSmart message when outdoors, to reduce the chance of skin damage.

Professor Brenda Wilson says it is important for everyone to check the UV index before heading outdoors. When UV levels are greater than 3 and often extreme at this time of year, it is important to note that temperature is not an indication of the UV levels or risk of developing a burn.”

The SunSmart UV Alert appears on the weather page of The Advertiser and some regional newspapers and is available on the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au.

For further information on sun protection and skin cancer visit the Cancer Council SA website, www.cancersa.org.au or call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.