Spreading the sun safety message

Staff from the Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre hit the pavement recently to spread the message about the importance of being sun safe for Melanoma March.

Melanoma March events are held across the country each year as a way to raise funds for research and increase awareness of the disease.

Redcliffe Skin Cancer Centre Practice Manager Anita Coulson said this was the first time the Margate business had taken part.

“Melanoma March events are usually held in the big capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, but we wanted to join in so this was the first time we had participated,” Anita said.

“We did a 5km walk from the Redcliffe Jetty down to down to Margate Beach and back.

“We handed out free sunscreen and brochures on how to look at your own skin for any abnormalities.

“Along the walk we stopped and saw the ladies at the Redcliffe Information Centre and chatted to them.

“When we passed by the lagoon, we caught citizens who were sunbaking and gave them some free sunscreen to apply.

“We also gave free sunscreen to council workers who were out working in the sun.”

Protecting your skin

Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the skin cells and usually occurs on parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun.

If detected early, it can be easily treated.

With the warm weather still sticking around, Anita is urging people to still apply sunscreen.

“Most people don’t know that sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before you head out or jump into the water, meaning it won’t wash off later on,” Anita said.

“A lot of people also think just because its cooler they don’t have to worry about their skin, but there can still be a high UV rating during overcast weather.”