It’s never been more important to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
Summer is officially here and the Cancer Council is calling on Wyndham locals to be sun smart and prevent getting sunburnt.
The Cancer Council’s National Sun Protection Survey reveals that only 37 per cent of Victorian adults wear sunscreen when outdoors on summer weekends, and only 38 per cent wear a hat.
Closer to home, there are 29 cases of melanoma diagnosed in Wyndham each year.
SunSmart manager Heather Walker said it was concerning that adults risked getting sunburnt, and in turn getting skin cancer, by not taking simple preventative measures.
“There’s no doubt that by neglecting to slap on a broad-brim hat and cover their skin, Victorians are increasing their cancer risk,” she said.
Australasian College of Dermatologists’ president Chris Baker said that dermatologists regularly treated skin cancers that could have been easily prevented through proper sun protection.
“Dermatologists see a lot of skin cancers on the face, ears, head and neck,” Associate Professor Baker said.
“These skin cancers are particularly concerning because they can arise quickly and are more difficult to treat.
“It’s important to remember that skin cancer can be prevented and, if detected early, can often be successfully treated.
“If you notice any changes in size, shape or colour of an existing spot, or the development of a new spot, you should get it checked as soon as possible.”
