As the school year kicks off, Cancer Council Queensland would like to remind Logan City students about the importance of SunSmart behaviours.
Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable given almost all skin cancers, including melanoma, are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Considering Queensland holds the unfortunate title as the skin cancer capital of the world with around 4,180 diagnosed with the Melanoma annually, it is clear there is still work to be done to keep students protected from UV radiation.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said Logan City parents and schools need to actively add sun protection precautions to their kid’s daily routine to safeguard them from UV radiation exposure.
“Multiple forms of sun protection are required when the UV level reaches 3 and above – in Queensland, this is all year around,” Ms McMillan said.
“To protect Queensland children from UV radiation it is imperative that families and schools adopt all five sun protective behaviours – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide – each day, to reduce risk of skin cancer.”
Logan City students are urged to slip on protective clothing, slop on minimum SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses when out and about.
It’s important that the journey to and from school is a sun safe one and that Logan City schools have ample shaded areas so students aren’t at risk during their lunch breaks.
“Sunburn in childhood significantly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life and it’s our responsibility to ensure children are taught sun safety habits from an early age,” Ms McMillan said.
“Teaching the five SunSmart behaviours to children throughout their learning years helps to shape healthy long-term habits.”
