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6 April 2008
Beware the winter sun: skin cancer threat doesn’t drop with the temperature
People shouldn’t let their guard against skin cancer down during the cooler months.
Queensland Health’s Senior Director of Population Health Dr Linda Selvey said the colder
temperatures during winter months made absolutely no difference to the harmful effects of
UV rays.
“Don’t think the cooler weather in Autumn and Winter means there’s less of a threat from skin
cancer – that’s just not the case,” Dr Selvey said.
“UV levels are just as dangerous in the colder months as they are in the hotter ones – and
with school holidays approaching, it’s really critical that people aren’t under this
misconception.
“I’d urge people to be careful with skin cancer. In 2004 alone, there were 2,340 new cases of
melanoma diagnosed in Queensland, and 272 deaths.
“At least one in every two Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
“In an effort to remind people of the danger, Queensland Health has begun its Autumn/Winter
UV Awareness Radio Campaign today.
“The campaign, which is targeted at both residents and visitors to the state, will serve as a
reminder to remain vigilant about sun protection during the cooler Autumn and Winter.
“The aim of the radio campaign is to increase awareness of the dangers of UV radiation and
the need to adopt sun protective behaviours all year round,” she said.
Dr Selvey said the advertisements will be broadcast on radio stations around Queensland
throughout the day when people are more likely to be out and about.
“The campaign will carry the message ’10 to 3 avoid UV’ and will serve as a reminder to
listeners to cover up and protect their skin.
“It will target all age groups, but especially those people out in the sun during the peak times
of between 10am and 3pm, such as outdoor workers, school children and visitors,” Dr Selvey
said.
To find out more about skin cancer prevention visit Queensland Health’s Sun Safety website:
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Guide to protecting yourself from skin cancer:
take care when outdoors during the peak UV time of 10am to 3pm. Do your gardening and
encourage children to play outdoors outside these hours
seek shade wherever possible, for eg. under trees in parks and covered areas at cafes
wear protective clothing including broad brimmed hats, shirts with a dense weave and long
sleeves, long shorts or trousers, and sunglasses where appropriate
apply a broad spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the
sun. Apply liberally to clean, dry (not sweaty), skin and remember to reapply every two
hours. Zinc cream is great for small areas, such as the nose and cheeks.
Media enquiries:
LEITH KNIGHT - (Work): 3235 4198
NEWS 
