With this summer set to be one of the hottest and driest on record, Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) is reminding everyone to Check and Protect their skin.
Weather experts are predicting a summer of scorching temperatures, drawing people out into the sun and surf to cool off during the long summer days. Inevitably this will lead to tans and sunburns for many across the Hunter region.
‘Any change in the colour of your skin because of UV rays means your skin has been damaged,’ says Claudia Tolhurst, HMF Executive Director. “Protecting our skin from melanoma’s is something we can control. At HMF we are encouraging people to take responsibility for their skin in and out of the sun,” she said.
With the start of National Skin Cancer Action Week on 17 November, HMF is launching its Check and Protect campaign, reinforcing the importance of early detection and sun protection for all Australians, but particularly in the 15-39 age bracket.
“So many people believe melanoma doesn’t affect the young, but melanoma kills more young Australians than any other single cancer,” she said. “It is alarming to see how many young people think that having a tan is healthy. We want to reinforce the reality that they are putting their lives at risk by not being vigilant with checking and protecting their skin,” Claudia said.
Throughout National Skin Cancer Action Week, which is an annual initiative of the Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists, HMF will be posting stories on social media about people whose lives have been touched melanoma.
HMF will also be introducing our new ambassador, Newcastle Jets player Patrick Langlois, who wants to help HMF achieve their mission in defeating the incidence of melanoma in the Hunter.