Cancer Council Queensland is reinforcing its message about the need to slap on sunscreen as we head towards the summer months.
As we live in what’s regarded as the skin cancer capital of the world, it’s important to apply sunscreen, and not just when we’re at the beach.
Cancer Council CEO Chris McMillan told MyNewsFeed.com.au that the UV index is typically above 3 most days in Logan and the Scenic Rim, so using sunscreen and staying out of the sun every day is a must.
She said people often make the mistake of linking the UV index to the temperature, and as such, think it’s okay not to put on sunscreen if it’s a cool day. That, said Ms McMillan, is a big no-no.
“By not using sunscreen, you’re making your skin susceptible to UV damage,”she added.
“It’s not about just one source, it’s year on year. And it’s that year on year damage that actually leads to skin cancer.”
Ms McMillan says it takes as little as 10 minutes, once the UV index is above 3, for the sun to start having an impact on people’s skin.
“So what we are saying to people is that you should be putting sunscreen on as a daily habit.”
