Do politicians really have thick skin?

A number of Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly will be in the hot seat today as they have their skin checked to help promote the vital importance of self-examination and early detection in the prevention of skin cancer.

Local dermatologist and President of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Dr Andrew Miller, will conduct the skin checks as part of a local push to see more people in the ACT community getting to know their skin better and protecting against future skin damage.

The skin checks have been arranged by Cancer Council ACT in conjunction with the ACT Australian Medical Association (AMA), as a sequel to National Skin Cancer Action Week, as a way to encourage all to be ‘skin smart’.

Recent data has shown adults are not as sun savvy as their children and many continue to spend time in the sun without protection.

“We often see Australian parents protecting their children with rashies, hats, sunscreen and shade – while not protecting themselves well,” said Dr Miller.

“With two thirds of adults developing skin cancer in their lifetime, it’s never too late to protect your skin,” he said

Cancer Council ACT CEO, Sandra Turner, says the latest Cancer Council National Sun Survey shows adults are using more sunscreen but not wearing as much clothing for proper UV protection.

“With UV levels in the ACT above three throughout most of the day from now until the end of May, it’s important to cover up; slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.

“We want to see more adults in the ACT joining their children in being SunSmart. Getting our politicians to lead by example is one way to get the message out there,” said Sandra.

National Skin Cancer Action Week is an initiative of Cancer Council of Australia with the support of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.