24 Nov Does your child participate in weekly 🏊🏼‍♂️swimming, track and field, soccer or cricket resulting in hours and hours during the day under the sun 😳Is your child often coming home from a day of competing in their sports sunburnt?

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, primarily due to its high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. 🌞Exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer. Sunburn, especially severe or frequent sunburns, increases the risk of skin cancer. About two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70.

Over 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation. When unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation, how the cells look and behave can change. UV radiation most often comes from the sun, but it can also come from artificial sources, such as arc welders, glue curing lights (e.g. for artificial nails) and solariums (also known as tanning beds or sun lamps). Solariums are now banned for commercial use in Australia because research shows that people who use solariums have a much greater risk of developing skin cancer.

Most parts of Australia have high levels of UV radiation from the sun all year round. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt and it is not related to temperature. 😳It can cause sunburn; premature skin ageing; and damage to skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. You can’t always see sun damage to the skin – it can start long before you get sunburnt or develop a tan, and the damage adds up over time.

When competing in sports it’s not always possible to slip on clothing to fully cover your arms, legs or shoulders. It is often not possible to wear a hat or sunglasses. For athletes, the most important skin protection is slopping on sunscreen. It is essential to use an SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming, sweating or any activity that causes you to rub it off.

For more information about sun protection go to https://www.cancercouncil.com.au

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