Brand new app-proach to smart summer sun protection

Lifeguard Hamish Etheridge and Georgia Venturini with Gromit Eli Lavon, Cancer Council Regional Education Officer Megan Upchurch and Anna Lavon. Picture: Lewis Freer

The Cancer Council of WA has a new tool to help you through summer — the SunSmart app.

A spokeswoman from the Cancer Council said the SunSmart UV Alert can be used to protect yourself from UV radiation.

“It tells you the time during the day you need to be SunSmart, ” she said.

“So whether you are at work, home or on the move, you can easily and quickly check the times when sun protection is needed.

“Evidence suggests childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to your lifetime risk of skin cancer.”

Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies out of the sun as much as possible for the first 12 months.

“The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or melanoma, ” the spokeswoman said.

“It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and advice on early detection. Our free SunSmart app is a great way to check the UV alert.”

SUN SMART TIPS:

• Slip on some sun-protective clothing — that covers as much skin as possible.

• Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards.

• Slap on a hat — that protects your face, head, neck and ears.

• Seek shade.

• Slide on some sunglasses — make sure they meet Australian Standards

• Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.

Source: The Cancer Council

iPhone users can download it at the iTunes App Store, Android users at Google Play and Samsung users at Samsung Apps.