Monday 19 November 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

New joint fight against skin cancer in South Australia

The Bureau of Meteorology has joined the Cancer Council South Australia to help in the fight against skin cancer.

The Bureau is encouraging South Australians to check the SunSmart UV Alert daily before planning their outdoor activities to ensure they are protecting their skin. The Bureau’s SunSmart UV Alert is published daily on the Bureau website and in The Advertiser. UV alerts are also included in the daily Adelaide and Major Centres forecast.

The Cancer Council SA chief executive, Associate Professor Brenda Wilson, said about 25,000 South Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. “The fact that so many South Australians are still getting skin cancer shows that despite the SunSmart messages, people are continuing to take risks with their health,” Associate Professor Wilson said.

“UV levels tend to be higher between 10 am and 3 pm, but UV radiation is often at alert levels outside of those times, doing damage to people’s skin in as little as 10 minutes. When UV radiation reached an index of 3 it is strong enough to cause skin damage,” she said.

Associate Professor Wilson said many people relied on the Bureau of Meteorology for their weather information. Using the SunSmart UV Alert to plan outdoor activities and skin protection would potentially save lives.

The bureau's Regional Director (SA) Andrew Watson said the bureau has made information on the UV index available as part of its forecast for a number of years. “By combining traditional forecasts with the SunSmart message we can remind people they need to check the UV Alert as well as the temperature forecast before they head outdoors over the summer break,” Mr Watson said.

To be SunSmart, a combination of sun protection measures is recommended, including:

• Seek shade,
• Wear protective clothing that covers the arms and legs as well as the body,
• Wear a hat that shades the face and neck,
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses,
• Use SPF30+ broad spectrum sunscreen and re-apply every two hours. Never use sunscreen to extend the time you spend in the sun.

Further information:
Krista Eleftheriou, The Cancer Council South Australia, tel: 0400 855 244
Andrew Watson, Regional Director (SA), Bureau of Meteorology, tel: (08) 8366 2643

Media assistance:
Paul Lainio, Public and Marine Officer, Bureau of Meteorology, tel: (08) 8366 2640

Ends