SUN SMARTS

THE (SCARY) STATS

* Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, with one in two people developing a form of it at some point.

* Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in Australians aged 15-24.

* Skin cancer caused 1500 deaths in Australia in 2003

* We have the highest incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in the world.

* Wear an SPF30 broad spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Reapply every two to three hours.

* You should especially avoid going out in the sun between 10am and 3pm, when the UV radiation levels are the most extreme.

* Seek out shade, don?t rely on it totally to protect you ? you can still get burnt from reflected sunlight.

* Wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing as much as possible when you?re in the sun.

* Make sure you protect your skin even it?s overcast, because clouds can?t stop the UV radiation from hitting your skin.

* Never use solariums. They emit five times more UV radiation than the midday sun!

* Check your skin regularly, especially any moles. See your doctor ASAP if you notice any unusual changes.