It is important to remind students and staff at every NSW public school to protect themselves from skin cancer. This is important as Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The research tells us that:
- two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70; however:
- 95% of melanoma skin cancers and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia are preventable by reducing exposure to harmful UV radiation.
In addition to successful on-going sun protection strategies already operating in NSW public schools, schools may wish to consider enhancing their practice by implementing the 3 strategies contained with the attached Sun protection strategies factsheet.
Sun Protection Strategies (docx 149 KB)
The following link will take you to more information on the National Skin Cancer Action Week: http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/campaigns-and-events/national-skin-cancer-action-week.html