Australians again urged to slip! slop! slap!
10 November, 2000
Despite the fact that most Australians have grown up with the ‘Slip! Slop! Slap!’ message and know why sun protection is essential, it is estimated that almost one-third of the population will get sunburnt this summer because they don’t protect their skin adequately.
Australia still has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. About 280,000 skin cancers are diagnosed each year in Australia including about 8,000 melanomas, the most dangerous form. Each year 1,200 Australians die from skin cancer.
During National Skin Cancer Action Week, which was held in November 2000, Australians were again warned that it is essential to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat and sunglasses to reduce their cancer risk.
‘The latest research shows that many people wrongly believe that sunscreen alone will provide them with total protection from sunburn and skin cancer,’ said Cancer Council Cancer Prevention Manager Jeanie McKenzie.
‘Sunscreen should always be used in combination with other sun protection measures, and it should be used for added protection and not for prolonging the amount of time spent in the sun.
‘To achieve the SPF, or sun protection factor, offered by a product, the sunscreen must be correctly applied. This means applying sufficient quantity at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every 2 hours, or more often if it is wiped, washed or sweated off.
‘When you’re planning to spend time outdoors you need to apply SPF30+ sunscreen every 2 hours and wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sensible clothing. It’s also wise to stay in the shade when possible and to try to avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm when ultraviolet radiation levels are highest,’ said Ms McKenzie.
More than 5 million Australians are likely to get sunburnt this summer, increasing their risk of potentially fatal skin cancer, according to recent Australian research.
Last Reviewed: 08 December 2000
- Cancer Council
