Media Release 27 Feb 2008
NZ Cancer Control Council Urges Public to Stay Sunsmart
Summer is not over and the danger of skin cancer can not be underestimated, Chair of the New Zealand Cancer Control
Council Dame Cath Tizard said today.
The focus in recent weeks on the efficacy of sun screens has concerned the council.
“While it appears that there are some issues around the exact level of protection offered by some sunscreens it is
important to remember that applying sunscreen is only one of the things people need to do to protect themselves from
skin cancer.”
Melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 25- 44, (17 deaths in 2004) and for women aged between 15-
24, (12 cases).
“It is also the most preventable of all skin cancers so it is important that the message gets through to younger age
groups.
So parents have a duty to ensure children are not exposed unnecessarily to the sun during peak UV times.
“Allowing children to stay in the sun and not doing anything to prevent their skin from being burnt is tantamount to a
parent giving their child a cigarette.”
“All New Zealanders need to overcome their complacency towards sunburn and get Sunsmart,” Dame Cath says.
“What people need to remember is that everyone needs to avoid peak UV times, wear longer sleeve shirts, tops, longer
skirts and trousers when outdoors, wear broad rim hats, UV protective sunglasses, gloves when gardening / golfing etc
and regularly apply and re-apply liberal (large) quantities of broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreens.
ENDS