Message from Cancer Society

Farida Neighbourly Lead from Kohimarama

Message from Cancer Society National Office

I hope you’re doing well. With summer here, I thought now would be a good time to get in touch. My name is Hazel and I am the National Advisor for SunSmart with the Cancer Society.

Did you know that Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world? In fact, over 90,000 skin cancers are diagnosed every year. UV radiation, even on overcast days, can damage our skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. So, I wanted to remind everyone to be SunSmart – it’s so easy!

Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. I am sure you have heard of it, here’s the details:
Slip on clothing with good UV radiation protection - preferably long sleeves, and fabrics with darker colours and tighter weaves. Also, Slip into shade - particularly between 10am and 4pm when UV radiation is strongest.
Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Be sure to apply generously to all exposed skin and really every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears, and neck.
Wrap on UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes from damage. Remember, not all sunglasses protect from UV radiation.

Know the UV Index:
The UV Index helps us understand how strong the sun’s UV radiation is on any given day. When the UV Index is 3 or above, we need to be SunSmart. Check out the UVNZ app for more information.

Check your skin:
Regularly check your skin for any new moles, spots, or changes – early detection is key to catching skin cancer early. If you notice any unusual changes, see your doctor.

By making these simple changes to our daily routine we can help protect ourselves, and those we care about, from the harmful effects of UV radiation. For more information, tips, and resources, please visit the SunSmart website.