B2B with a Twist Publication - Work • Stay • Play October Edition Work Stay Play Summer 2017-18 Edition | Page 9

Every time your skin is exposed to the UV radiation, changes take place in
the structure and function of our skin cells. Over time, the skin can become
permanently damaged and every additional decade of over exposure to UV
radiation further increases your risk to skin cancer.
The good thing about skin cancer is that it is largely preventable. How? All you
have to do is apply a combination of these five steps:
Slip
Slop
Slap
Seek
Slide
Slip on protective clothing
Choose clothing that:
• Covers as much skin as possible, such as a long sleeved shirt with a collar
• Is made from close weaved materials such as cotton, polyester or linen
• Is dark in colour to absorb UV rays. Lighter colours will reflect the UV rays onto your skin
• If used for swimming, wear material such as lycra which stays sun protective when wet.
Slop on SPF30+ or higher sunscreen
Make sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum and water resistant. Apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes
before going outside and reapply every two hours.
Slap on a hat
A broad brimmed or bucket stlye hat provides the ultimate protection for the face, nose, neck and ears which are
common skin cancer sites. Caps and visors do not provide adequate protection.
Seek shade
Make use of the trees and man-made shade structures, or bring your own such as an umbrella. Whatever you use as
shade, ensure it casts a dark shadow.
Slide on some sunglasses
About Skin Cancer:
• Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the
world for both males and females
• Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia
• Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world
• Skin Cancer accounts for 80 per cent of all cancers
diagnosed each year
• 430,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer every year
• Of these, over 10,500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed
• Every year, there are approximately 1,600 deaths caused
by melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer
• Two in Three Australians will be diagnosed with Skin
Cancer before the age of 70 years.
• If caught early, 95 per cent of skin cancer can be
successfully treated
Sourced from: www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/how-to-be-sun-smart/
Sunglasses, in combination with a broad brimmed hat can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98 per
cent. Choose close fitting sunglasses that meet the Australia Standard AS 1067. It is estimated 20 per cent of cataracts
occur due to UV exposure to the eye. Remember, sunglasses are just as important for children, as they are for adults.
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