A NEW Cancer Council SA campaign titled UV – It All Adds Up will highlight the irreversible damage of radiation to the skin.
The campaign highlights that every time skin is exposed to UV radiation the damage adds up, which in turn leads to an increased risk of skin cancer.
With recent statistics showing 194,000 South Australian adults are still getting burnt on an average summer weekend, the message is particularly important as UV levels hit the extreme range and outdoor activities increase.
Cancer Council SA education and information manager Joanne Rayner said UV radiation was the major cause of skin cancer.
“Exposure of unprotected skin to UV radiation levels of three and above will result in skin damage, which in turn increases the risk of a skin cancer developing,” she said.
“You don’t need to have a suntan or get sunburnt for skin damage to occur, every occasion of exposure is damaging your skin.”
Research shows just over one in four South Australians use temperature to guide their sun protection habits, however temperature has no relationship to UV levels.
“UV radiation can still be high on cool or overcast days and is particularly hard to judge as it is invisible, so you can’t feel it,” Ms Rayner said.
At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, with more than 800 new cases of melanoma in South Australia each year.
Download the free SunSmart App from the Cancer Council SA website at cancersa.org.au to find out more about UV radiation levels.
