Sun Protection Resources

Being smart about your time in the sun can save you from skin damage, skin cancer or melanoma.

Download our free Save My Skin Fact Sheet to learn about the dangers of UV and sun exposure. 

Videos

For practical information and advice on sun safety watch our videos and subscribe to our YouTube Channel, My Sun Protection.

        

 Useful Resources

Melanoma Institute Australia

Melanoma Institute Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing and curing melanoma through innovative, world-class research, treatment and education programs.   

Australian Cancer Council

Australia's preeminent Cancer organisation providing cancer suffers and their families with information, prevention, patient support, treatment, advocacy, fundraising, networks, and sun protection products.  Treadley is proud to be a Cancer Council supplier and donate a percentage of sales to this amazing organisation.

Daily Ultraviolet (UV) Index Forecast

See your local daily UV Index and recommended hours for sun protection. Invaluable information provided by BOM.  

 

Danger Sun Overhead

Danger Sun Overhead is an education program for outdoor industries, corporate work places schools and sporting clubs, to promote the prevention, awareness and early detection of skin cancers, including melanoma.  Established by the amazing Joanne Crotty whose husband Rohan Crotty, unfortunately lost his battle with melanoma in July 2009 at the age of 43. Inspired and educational.

Nature Play QLD

Nature Play is about getting our kids outside.  Their mission is for unstructured outdoor play to become a normal part of every child life in Queensland, so that they can develop into resilient, healthy and creative members of the community.  Great programs, printable "To Do" sheets by age and seriously fun events.  Brilliant and FREE.  Check it out!

Skin and Cancer Foundation Inc

All things skin!  The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc is a not-for-profit charity that provides specialist clinical treatment, education and research for a wide variety of skin diseases, skin cancer and melanoma. Established in 1987, the Foundation has become Australia’s centre of excellence in skin care.



 

 

Skin Cancer is on the rise

  • Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in Australia.
  • Every 90 seconds an Australian is diagnosed with Skin Cancer.
  • 2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with Skin Cancer by the time that they are 70 years old[1].
  • Sunburn causes 95% of Melanomas[1].
  • Skin Cancer is largely preventable by minimising UV (ultraviolet) exposure 2].
  • Childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to your lifetime risk of skin cancer[1].
  • Skin Cancer has a long latency period[5] and overexposure to UV radiation during childhood and adolescence increases the risk of developing Skin Cancer at a later stage[6].

The hidden dangers of UV exposure

  • Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world.
  • UV radiation can neither be seen or felt
  • People mistakenly believe that UV radiation is not as strong on cooler or overcast days.
  • The sun emits UVA, UVB & UVC radiation. All UVC and some UVB radiation is blocked by the ozone layer.
  • UV exposure during the first 18 years of a person’s life is a critical risk factor for Skin Cancer and premature aging[4].
  • UVA radiation can age us and is the cause of long term skin damage; whereas UVB radiation causes sunburn and is the most common cause of most skin cancer.

What is the UV Index?

  • The UV Index (UVI) states the intensity of UV for a particular time at a specific location.
  • Over 60% of Australia has an average annual UVI of Very High (UV 8-11)
  • The UVI is forecast and reported in Australia by the Bureau of Meteorology.
  • When the UVI is 3 or above, sun protection is required

 Skin Types and Sunburn

  •  Skin thickness of children from birth to 13 years is 30% thinner than adults[3].
  • The Fitzpatrick Scale is the most commonly used methodology for the classification of different skin types by response to sun exposure.
  • Sunburnt skin turns red within 2 to 6 hours of over exposure and redness continues to develop for up to 72 hours.
  • In summer, a fair skinned person can burn in as little as 11 minutes.

Use sundicators

  • sundicators work by measuring the intensity of UVA and UVB exposure.
  • sundicators are calibrated to Skin Type I.
  • By applying the same sunscreen to the sundicator and wearer, the individual has a real time indication of their UV exposure.
  • Wearing a sundicator should be part of your daily sun protection routine.
  • sundicators are a personal prompt to remind you to take preventative sun protection action

Wear a Helmet Hat

  • Slip-on, adjustable cover fits easily and quickly over most bicycle helmets
  • The peak and legionnaire provides 360º sun protection to minimise sun exposure to the face, eyes, ears and back of neck
  • Meets the Australian Cancer Council’s SunSmart Guidelines
  • Most styles have a UPF50+ rating to give you the highest level of sun protection – fabric is tested and certified each year

 Featured Articles