Queensland Sun

The sun in Queensland is very strong. This tropical region has the highest melanoma (sun cancer) rate in the world. Always wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion. If possible, stay in the shade. When in the sun, you will begin to burn in about 20 minutes on a clear sunny day.

How to protect yourself from the sun:

• Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. This is usually between 11AM and 3PM.
• Wear a t-shirt and hat while not swimming. Your hat should not be a baseball cap - invest in a wide brimmed hat that provides shade for your face, neck and ears. It's worth it, even if you think it looks daggy.
• Wear sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Use at least SPF15. And don't be fooled by sunscreens that proffer SPF30 protection. These creams do not give double the protection of SPF15 - they give only 3% more protection.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays.
• Ensure all people under the age of 15 are liberally coated with sunscreen and do not remain in the strong sunshine for longer than 20 minutes at a time without clothing protection.
• Keep babies out of direct sunlight at all times.
• Sun-damaged skin is most likely to attract melanomas.

Melanoma facts

• Two-thirds of sun damage is done before the age of 15.
• If detected early, skin cancer has a 99% cure rate.
• Melanomas occur mainly in the 40-60 year age group, but can strike
• at any age.
• Women are more likely than men to get melanomas.