John XXIII College Newsletter

Health

Skin Cancer Action Week

November 19-25

More than 2000 people in Australia die from skin cancer each year. Yet most skin cancers can be prevented by the use of good sun protection.

Check the SunSmart UV Alert every day and protect your skin when UV levels are 3 or above, even when you are in the sun for short periods. A SunSmart app for iphones that predicts the UV level for each day can be downloaded from the ITunes App store.

 

Protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer:

  1. SLIP ON SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING – look for clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Look for material with high UV Protection Factor (UPF)
  2. SLOP ON SPF 30+ or 50+ SUNSCREEN – Sunscreen should not be relied on as the only form of sun protection. No sunscreen provides 100% UV protection – remember to use in combination with protective clothing, shade, hats and sunglasses.
  3. SLAP ON A HAT – Slap on a hat that provides as much shade as possible to your face, head, neck, ears and eyes. There are three main styles of hats that provide adequate sun protection:
  • Broad brimmed – brim of at least 7.5 cm
  • Bucket or ‘surfie-style’ hats – with deep crown and brim of at least 6cm
  • Legionnaire hats- should have a peak of at least 6cm. The side flap and front peak should meet the ears to provide protection to the side of the face.
  1. SEEK SHADE- Staying in the shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce sun exposure, but remember that other sun protection measures (clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) should also be used to avoid reflected UV radiation.
  2. SLIDE ON SOME SUNGLASSES-  When choosing sunglasses look for:
  • Frames that fit close to the face
  • Wrap around styles that reduce UV entering from the sides.
  • Sunglasses that meet Australian standards and have an eye protection factor (EPF) of 10.

A combination of these measures, along with getting to know your skin and regularly checking for any changes, are the keys to reducing your skin cancer risk.

If you notice any unusual skin changes, consult your Doctor.

 

For more information visit: www.cancerwa.asn.au

 

Jenny Hill

College Nurse