Preventing Melanoma
Follow These Recommendations:
- Avoid the sun between 10AM and 3PM.
- Avoid sunburn by minimising sun exposure when the UV Level exceeds 3 (Yellow zone or higher). UV levels are more intense during the warmer half of the year.
- Seek shade where possible.
- Avoid tanning.
- Never use UV tanning beds.
- Use barrier clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses.
- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ or higher.
- For high-risk individuals, use a reflective sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium.
- Have regular eye examinations by your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, since moles and melanomas may also arise in and on the eyes.
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin 10 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, excessive sweating, or towelling down.
- Keep new-borns out of the sun. Sunscreens can be used from six months of age.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe on the first day of every month, look for anything that is changing uniquely for more than 2-3 weeks; if so, have it checked immediately.
- Have regular professional skin checks at the intervals advised below:
- 3 monthly, for patients who have had melanoma in the previous 2 years
- 6 monthly, for patients with a past history of skin cancer
- Annually, for patients over 18 years with no previous history of skin cancer
- Every second year, for patients 10-18 years with no previous history of skin cancer
