GF Guru

SUN SMARTS

Nov 27 12:45pm

Holidays usually mean long, hot days of fun in the sun, and the temptation to tan can be huge. But is it really worth the risks?

THE (SCARY) STATS

* Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, with one in two people developing a form of it at some point.

* Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in Australians aged 15-24.

* Skin cancer caused 1500 deaths in Australia in 2003

* We have the highest incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in the world.

SAVE YOUR SKIN

* Wear an SPF30 broad spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Reapply every two to three hours.

* You should especially avoid going out in the sun between 10am and 3pm, when the UV radiation levels are the most extreme.

* Seek out shade, don’t rely on it totally to protect you – you can still get burnt from reflected sunlight.

* Wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing as much as possible when you’re in the sun.

* Make sure you protect your skin even it’s overcast, because clouds can’t stop the UV radiation from hitting your skin.

* Never use solariums. They emit five times more UV radiation than the midday sun!

* Check your skin regularly, especially any moles. See your doctor ASAP if you notice any unusual changes.

ARE YOU CAREFUL WITH YOUR SKIN IN THE SUN? TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE COMMENTS BOARD BELOW!

19 Comments Report Abuse

1. fizzintollerant - Nov 27 07:47pm

i get sunburnt really easy most of my friends tan really well but theve got to be careful coz there one of those pplz that might get it

2. draheimy - Nov 29 12:59pm

I get sunburnt on my nosem and my teacher checks to see if i'm alright because i put on auscreen and it helps for kids my age. I'm 13. I usually sunburnt on my nose and 2 cheeks that part.

3. clarice_9391 - Nov 29 04:58pm

i have never been burnt in my life. i always wear sunscreen, zinc, hat and clothes and i sat in shade. lucky for me i have an olive complexion so i don't feel the need to sunbake!

4. melissafxckingjean - Dec 02 05:59pm

I love backyard cricket and sports, so I always cover up and wear sunscreen when I'm outside. I get sun burnt easily too.

5. kaitlinrox51 - Dec 03 10:26pm

ii get burnt quite easily on my arms and face and because ive got moles on my neck and face i have to look after my skin really good.

6. kaitlinrox51 - Dec 03 10:27pm

ii get burnt quite easily on my arms and face and because ive got moles on my neck and face i have to look after my skin really good.

7. amyilalec - Dec 04 06:16pm

i am a beachbabe, and every weekend go down to my beachhouse. i am quite worried about cancer, and never tan. (although sometimes i get a tan or burnt by accident.)
i always overdo my sunscreen, but i guess thats better than dieing of skin cancer!i remeber that girl that died from a solarium? scary!

8. edendempsey12 - Dec 10 07:21pm

In rarely get sunburnt.
Whenever it's said to be a hot day, I put sunscreen on and take a roll - on sunscreen to schoooolies.
=)
SLIP, SLOP, SLAP.
=D

9. cheekymonkey_993 - Dec 12 09:45pm

omg i get sunburnt so damn easily! it sucks so badly! its bcoz i am really pale, which kinda sucks in a way, but is kinda gud bcoz im one of a kind!

i just aim 2 use alot of sunscreen and reapply every 3 hours