It’s Ekka time and with thousands of Queenslanders set to pour into the Brisbane Showgrounds tomorrow for the Brisbane Show Day, Cancer Council Queensland are reminding attendees to stay SunSmart!
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said it’s important Queenslanders do not become complacent about sun safety throughout winter.
“The Ekka is an annual highlight for so many people right across Queensland - and we want to make sure people only go home with happy memories, not sun damage,” Ms McMillan said.
“There is no link between temperature and the UV index – in Queensland UV levels can remain high, despite temperatures decreasing through winter.
“When outdoors skin damage and sunburn can occur in as little as 10-15 minutes so it’s important to be prepared.
“Make sure you slop on sunscreen before you go to the Ekka and reapply throughout the day, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, slide on wrap-around sunglasses, slip on clothing with sleeves and seek shade when you can.
“Once skin damage occurs from UV radiation, it is impossible to reverse, but it is never too late to make improvements to your sun protection behaviours.”
Sun protection is required when the UV level is three or above.
Ms McMillan urged Ekka attendees to download a free SunSmart app for live updates on UV levels.
“With our free SunSmart app you can check the UV levels live and stay protected as you take in the sights and activities at Ekka,” Ms McMillan said.
Around 3700 melanoma and 324,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed in Queensland each year.
To download the free SunSmart app, please visit, .
