Skin Cancer Prevention
Follow These Recommendations
- Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 3 PM
- Avoid sunburn by minimising sun exposure when the UV Level exceeds 3 (Yellow zone or higher). UV levels are more intense during the warmer half of the year
- Seek shade where possible
- Avoid tanning
- Never use UV tanning beds
- Use barrier clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ or higher
- For high-risk individuals use a reflective sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium
- Have regular eye examinations by your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, since moles and melanomas may also arise in and on the eyes
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin 10 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, excessive sweating, or towelling down
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens can be used from six months of age
- Examine your skin head-to-toe on the first day of every month, look for anything that is changing uniquely for more than 2-3 weeks and if so have it checked immediately
- Have regular professional skin checks at the intervals advised below
- 3 monthly for patients who have had melanoma in the previous 2 years
- 6 monthly for patients with a past history of skin cancer
- Annually for patients over 18yo with no previous history of skin cancer
- Every second year for patients 10-18yo with no previous history of skin cancer
