Summer is almost here, and residents across the west are being cautioned to slip, slop, slap, slide and seek as the weather heats up.
A new SunSmart campaign is warning that adults are more likely to get sunburned doing day-to-day activities than on a day at the beach.
Data from the 2013-14 National Sun Survey shows that 50 per cent of adults were sunburnt during summer weekends from doing activities around the home, including gardening, chores, reading or having a barbecue.
Only 29 per cent of adults got sunburnt hanging out at the beach or pool, and 21 per cent got sunburnt playing sport.
Figures from the Victorian Cancer Registry reveal 963 people across the western metropolitan region were diagnosed with melanoma between 2009 and 2013, including 127 in the state electorate of Williamstown, 111 in Sunbury, 86 in Melton, 82 in Altona and 77 in Werribee. From that, 148 people died.
Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said the data showed people were getting more sun exposure than first thought.
“Incidental UV exposure is catching people out,” Mr Harper said. “It may not occur to people that sun protection is just as important whether you are in the backyard, lying in the park or hanging out at the beach.
“Your skin is like a memory bank; it remembers all the unprotected time outdoors – all the sunburns, tans and solarium visits.
“The damage all adds up and increases your long-term risk of skin cancer.”
Australasian College of Dermatologists president Chris Baker called on people to keep out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, cover up in warm weather, wear sunscreen and get any unusual sun spots checked out.
