Media release: Healthy North Coast urges community to be sun safe as summer approaches

As the summer months approach, Healthy North Coast is encouraging people across Mid North Coast and Northern NSW to make sun protection part of their everyday routine, to help reduce their risk of skin cancer.

The region has the highest melanoma rates in NSW, highlighting the importance of protecting skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and being aware of changes to the skin.

According to the Cancer Institute NSW, nine of the ten local government areas (LGAs) with the highest melanoma incidence in NSW are located in the North Coast region. Ballina ranks highest, followed by Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed, Kempsey and Richmond Valley.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the lead-up to summer is a timely reminder for people to take simple, practical steps to protect themselves and their families:

“The North Coast is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, particularly as the weather warms up. But with our region experiencing the highest rates of skin cancer, it’s important that sun protection becomes part of our everyday routine.

“Simple steps like wearing sunscreen, covering up, seeking shade and wearing a hat can make a real difference in reducing exposure to harmful UV radiation. Let’s enjoy everything our region has to offer this summer while taking care of our skin and long term health, and encouraging family and friends to do the same.”

The community reminder follows the recent Capability Building in Skin Cancer Early Intervention grant program from Healthy North Coast, where more than $345,000 was awarded to local general practices to strengthen early intervention for skin cancer.

Sun protection is important whenever the UV index reaches 3 or above, which can occur throughout the year in Australia. The community is encouraged to follow the five key sun protection measures:

• Slip on covering clothing
• Slop on SPF 50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Reapply every two hours or after swimming
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on some sunglasses.

Healthy North Coast also encourages people to become familiar with their skin and seek medical advice about new or changing spots, sores that do not heal, or lesions that look different from others.

Dr Maggie Simpson, a GP from Clarence Medical Centre with a special interest in skin cancer, said early assessment of suspicious skin changes is an important part of looking after skin health:

“As a surfer, I know how easy it is to get caught out by the sun. Sun protection lowers your risk, but it can’t undo past exposure, which is why regular skin checks matter,” Dr Simpson said.

“Skin cancers can be any colour from pale pink to black, and it’s surprising how often I find them on people who had no idea they were there. I’d encourage everyone to book a baseline check, ideally with an accredited skin cancer doctor who has completed additional training in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. They can then give you tailored advice on how often to have your skin checked and other protective measures, based on your individual risk. And don’t wait if you notice a spot that’s new, changing, bleeding, itchy or sore.”

The Cancer Council has some great resources and tips on how to stay sun safe, including information about the SunSmart app, which provides real-time and forecast UV levels to guide sun protection decisions.

Media contact:

• Sam Brunning | sbrunning@hnc.org.au | 0439 968 437