Hats On Reminder For ACT Schools & Early Childhood Services

It's still cold in the ACT,  however Cancer Council ACT says it’s important for Canberra schools and early childhood  to think ultra violet (UV) and not heat, as we make our way into another Canberra Spring. 

The beginning of August is when we start to witness ultraviolet radiation (UV) levels on the rise in the ACT to levels that warrant sensible sun protection, for at least part of the day.

Cancer Council ACT's message is pretty simple, when UV levels reach 3 and above, a combination of sun protection behaviour is required to protect against skin damage that can contribute to skin cancer later in life. The higher the UV level, the quicker unprotected skin can damage, sunburn or no sunburn.

“In Canberra, August is when we start to see daily UV levels climbing, and reaching 3 or above,” said Cancer Council ACT’s Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Turner.

“Regardless of temperature and cloud cover, UV 3 or above warrants sensible sun protection behaviour. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot weather or cold, it’s the UV that damages,” Sandra said.

Evidence suggests that childhood and adolescence sun exposure plays a significant factor in the development of skin cancer in later life. Therefore it’s vital that Canberra schools and early childhood services implement and manage an effective sun protection policy when UV levels reach 3 and above.

Wearing sensible clothing and hats, applying and making sunscreen accessible to all students and teachers and taking advantage of shade, means children, students and teachers can significantly minimise their lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

Every year over 12,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and approx. 2,200 Australians will die from skin cancer each year. The majority of skin cancers are preventable.

Media Contact information

Sandra Turner – CEO, Cancer Council ACT - M: 0414 695 632 E: media@actcancer.org