Residents should take extra precautions to prevent skin cancer and other sun-related issues over Summer, according to the Cancer Council WA.
Cancer Council WA regional education officer Shenae Norris operates out of Dot’s Place South West on Forrest Avenue.
She regularly delivers seminars on skin health and sun-related dangers affecting the community.
Ms Norris said people should follow the Sun Smart message – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide – to protect themselves from the negative impacts of the sun.
“An important aspect is that when we’re teaching this education, depending on the target group, it can be quite difficult to actually get the message through,” she said.
“It is all about reinforcing that the message works and it’s not too late to continue covering yourself up.”
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Ms Norris said Cancer Council WA encouraged people to focus on the UV and not the heat.
She said the organisation also recommended for people to check their skin every three months by using the ‘ABCDE’ of detection (Asymmetrical, irregular Border, a number of different Colours, six millimetres or wider in Diameter, Evolving in shape, colour or size).
The regional education officer said days when the UV rating was below three provided people with ample Vitamin D intake.
According to the Cancer Council, Western Australia has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world behind Queensland.
At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.
In 2016, 13,280 new skin cancer cases were diagnosed in Australia.
Ms Norris said community members were encouraged to protect themselves and others throughout the season.
“Being situated at Dot’s Place you do see a lot of people whom have experienced, or are still experiencing, the effects of cancer,” she said.
“It really pushes me in my job to educate people before that can happen.”
Dot’s Place has sought to provide support staff and programs for community members diagnosed with skin cancer.
Head to the Cancer Council WA website for more information.
