Prevention
UV levels are highest in summer, late spring and early autumn. UV levels are not dependent on the temperature or cloud cover. A colder, cloudy day will still have high UV levels in summer. The following tips can help prevent melanoma:
Prevention
- Try and avoid prolonged periods out in the sun during the middle of the day (10am to 4pm) when UV rays are the strongest.
- Wear protective clothing. This includes a hat with a brim to shade your ears and neck, a shirt with sleeves to cover your shoulders and arms. The best fabric for skin protection has a tight weave to keep sunlight out. Wear sunglasses with an EPF of 10 or make sure that they comply with the Australian Standard 1067.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+ if you have to go into the sun. Look for a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation in the sun’s rays-UVA and UVB and apply this 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply regularly (approximately every two hours). Water resistant sunscreen is the best when being active or around water. Remember to cover all exposed skin as water reflects UV rays.
- Use a higher SPF when you are at higher elevations, where UV is more intense.
- Keep newborns out of the sun! A baby's skin is sensitive and can burn easily. Use an age appropriate sunscreen if outdoors as well as protective clothing and shade.
- Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Studies suggest that UV rays from artificial sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous as those from the sun. Tanning salons have now been banned in all states of Australia due to their proven link to melanoma.
To better your chances of prevention, tick all the boxes.
How much sun is enough?
Download the SunSmart app to your phone and it lets you know when you do and don’t need sun protection, tailored to your location, making it easier than ever to be smart about your sun exposure all year.
Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, which gives the skin its colour.
What to look for
It is very important to check your skin regularly in order to detect any changes in the SIZE, COLOUR or SHAPE of a mole or skin lesion.
An easy way to detect potentially harmful moles or lesions is by using the ABCDE guidlines.
Yes. In fact, everyone is at risk, as we are all exposed to the sun. Due to variations in skin types, some people are more at risk than others.
Catching a melanoma in its early stages is one of the most important factors in improving the outcome of a melanoma diagnosis. It can literally SAVE A LIFE.
Why is catching it early so important?
Did you know...
MELANOMA
IN AUSTRALIA
EVERY SINGLE
YEAR
MELANOMA
ARE DIAGNOSED
EVERY YEAR
IN AUSTRALIA
OF MELANOMA CASES
CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY
TREATED IF
DETECTED EARLY
CANCER DEATHS
IN AUSTRALIA
ARE FROM
MELANOMA