Slip Slop Slap!
Oh baby it’s hot, hot, hot! With summer well and truly underway chances are you have all been enjoying the great outdoors, especially during the festive season! Cancer Council Australia has taken this opportunity to remind all Australians that protecting themselves when the UV levels are 3 or above is vital in preventing skin cancer*. Despite the campaigns, we all know the stats aren’t great:
Sunburn causes 95% of melanomas, the most deadly form of skin cancer- In Australia almost 14% of adults,24% of teenagers and 8% of kids are sunburnt on an average summer weekend. Many people get sunburnt just going about their normal weekend activities such as gardening, having a bbq or a swim at the local pool or beach**
- Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world according to the Melanoma Institute Australia
- Melanoma rates are still on the rise with an estimated 392 extra cases per year
- One person will die every six hours from melanoma in Australia***
The good news is that melanoma is often identifiable at an early stage where simple treatment can result in complete cure.
Modern trauma policies provide a benefit payment for melanoma and many provide a partial payment for early stage melanoma as determined by the histology reports and the policy definition by your insurer. Trauma cover is a valuable insurance policy that may provide a financial benefit which can assist you to meet medical expenses or time off work.
Prevention is always better than a cure so remember to Slip Slop Slap when you head outside each day, even if it is cloudy. Wear sunscreen every day. Avoid being in the sun in the middle of the day if possible and cover up!
** http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html
*** http://www.melanoma.org.au/understanding-melanoma/melanoma-facts-and-statistics/