Released 27/11/2017
Canberrans are today being reminded of the importance of regular skin cancer checks ahead of another hot ACT summer.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris joined the Cancer Council ACT and other local politicians for a skin clinic at the ACT Legislative Assembly today to raise awareness about skin cancer.
The clinic was held as part of an awareness campaign organised by Cancer Council ACT. A recent survey by the Council showed that an estimated 53,000 Canberrans were sunburnt on any given weekend over the summer of 2016-17 (the survey period).
“These survey results are an important reminder to all Canberrans of the importance of regular skin checks, and to slip, slop, slap,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“As we head into summer, families will be spending more time outdoors. These survey results highlight that sun safety needs to be front of mind for the community.
“In a city like Canberra, where we get a lot of sun, we should all keep a close eye on our skin and see their doctor straight away if anything changes or looks suspicious.
“People should be familiar with the look of their skin so they can pick up any changes that might be a skin cancer.
“The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better the chance of avoiding surgery, or in the case of a serious melanoma or other kind of cancer, potential disfigurement or even death,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Minister Fitzharris commended the Cancer Council’s SunSmart program for school children and those in early childhood centres, but urged adults to take more care.
“In general, adults are using more sunscreen but not covering up as much during the day when the UV rays are 3 or above, which is the danger period for skin damage,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Cancer Council ACT CEO, Sandra Turner, said that Canberra’s weather can be deceptive and people can still get sunburnt on overcast days.
“We take steps to protect our children, making sure they cover up with hats, rashies, sunscreen and shade, but our recent survey also shows that adults don’t take the same care with their own exposure to the sun,” Ms Turner said.
When checking for signs of skin cancer, look for:
- any crusty, non-healing sores;
- small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour; and
- new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour).
More information on skin cancer and being sun smart is available at: www.actcancer.org
The survey results are available at: http://www.actcancer.org/news/general/we-are-still-a-sunburnt-country/
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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