This week is National Skin Cancer Action Week (19-25 November 2017) and Brenniston is endeavouring to make Australia safer by spreading the word about skin cancer awareness in outdoor workplaces.
While many workplaces focus their safety measures on first aid incidents and accidents, sun protection can often be overlooked.
Every year during National Skin Cancer Action Week, the Australasian College of Dermatologists and Cancer Council Australia come together to remind Australians about the importance of sun protection and early skin cancer detection.
The statistics are startling: by the age of 70, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer. With skin cancer being a primarily preventable cancer, it’s important that Australians are taking every step possible to avoid the risks.
The theme for this year’s National Skin Cancer Action Week is ‘Join the SunSmart Generation' #SunSmartGeneration. We can learn a lot from our kids who are well-versed in the SunSmart message:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing
- Slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses.
Cancer Council National Sun Protection Survey
The latest Cancer Council National Sun Protection Survey shows that an alarming number of adults are getting sunburnt.
Professor Sanchia Aranda, CEO, Cancer Council Australia, says “We suspect Aussies are slopping on sunscreen while at the same time reducing their use of covering clothing and expecting to be protected all day long. Sunscreen is a great tool to help protect your skin, but it isn’t a suit of armour.”
For Australians working outdoors this statement is especially important. Sunscreen should not be used as stand-alone protection and is most effective when used in conjunction with wearing sunglasses, protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to ensure more efficient protection.
Checking skin regularly, both at home and with your doctor, is significant in detecting skin cancers early.
For more information on how to spot a skin cancer click here.
Brenniston offers a wide range of sunscreens to keep your team SunSmart. If you need to stock up, National Skin Cancer Action Week is the time to do it. See the range here.