Skin Cancer Takes No Holidays: Essential Sun Safety Tips For Winter!

Author: Cuong Nguyen

A Life-Saving Topic

As winter approaches, Aussies need to remain on guard to keep protecting themselves and their loved ones from the threat of skin cancer. Recent research shows that while nearly everyone here uses sunscreen during the hot summer months, only about 50% of us take this precaution during the spring. Even fewer people apply sunscreen during fall and winter.

UV Ray Overview

The sun emits a full spectrum of light, which includes invisible UV rays. These unseen beams can damage the sensitive cells of skin tissue, causing long term impacts that appear weeks, months or even years later in the form of skin cancers. While not all forms of skin cancer prove fatal, the dreaded cancer melanoma often appears in skin tissue first. It can spread rapidly through the body, moving quickly from the skin into internal organs. Detecting skin cancer in time to obtain effective treatment sometimes proves challenging. Experts agree that taking simple precautions to reduce exposure to damaging UV radiation from sunlight remains one of the smartest decisions people Down Under can make in combating skin cancer. Don't permit yourself to go outside during any season of the year without wearing an effective sunscreen. Take sensible precautions against melanoma and other skin cancers throughout the year!

Skin Cancer in Australia

If you doubt that Aussies face a risk from UV radiation even during the winter months of June through August, simply consult the Australia Ultraviolet (UV) Index Forecast. Even on cloudy days, the threat of potential exposure to UV radiation remains. Take some simple precautions to reduce your chances of sustaining skin damage. Every year in Australia, many people endure operations to remove skin lesions that occurred because harmful UV radiation damaged skin cells.

Recommendations

Due to the threat presented by melanoma and other skin cancers, Australians have begun using protective outdoor umbrellas in large numbers. A shade sail helps you feel less stress from the sun during fun outdoor activities. Experts recommend taking precautions to reduce your exposure to damaging UV rays:

  1. First, always wear a sunscreen with a recommended SPF 30+ or higher level of protection against UV light whenever you venture outdoors. Ask your family physician to recommend a sunscreen for you if you feel unsure about the protection available from your sunscreen;
  2. Remember to re-apply your sunscreen at recommended intervals;
  3. Stay in the shade during peak UV periods, and don't spend extended periods of time basking in sunlight;
  4. Take the time to wear a broad-brimmed hat outside;
  5. Wear sun protective clothing outdoors;
  6. Don't forget that UV radiation impacts your eyes, too! Wear sunglasses designed to furnish UV protection;
  7. Put on sunscreen even when you remain under awnings and other screens or shade sails outdoors;
  8. Drink juices and eat fresh fruits (such as kiwi) containing Vitamin C and antioxidants on a regular basis;
  9. If you feel anxious about Vitamin D deficiency issues, contact your physician for assistance;
  10. Conduct regular self-exams for possible skin lesions; if you happen to find one, visit a physician promptly for a professional evaluation.

Incorporating skin cancer-fighting measures into your daily lifestyle can help you reduce your chances of contracting melanoma and other skin lesions. It makes sense to take precautions against skin cancer Down Under during any season!