Experts are calling for Victorians to get SunSmart or risk sunburn, which increases your lifetime risk of skin cancer and can even result in presentation to a hospital emergency department.
SunSmart has released new emergency department sunburn data from the Victorian Department of Health reinforcing the urgent need for everyone to adopt all five forms of sun protection as the state reaches extreme UV levels over the coming months.
At a glance, the data shows 289 Victorians presented to emergency departments in Victorian public hospitals last year with sunburn, with nearly half (47 per cent) of these presentations occurring in January 2024.
Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years are most likely (19 per cent) to present to emergency departments with sunburn than any other age group, closely followed by young adults aged 20 to 24 (18 per cent).
Since 2004/05, men are slightly more likely to present at emergency departments with sunburn than women, 53 per cent male and 47 per cent female
Victorians are 11.5 times more likely to present with sunburn to emergency departments in the peak season (November – February) than off season (March-October)
Head of SunSmart, Emma Glassenbury said the data served as a reminder for just how serious sunburn can be.
“No one should wind up in hospital emergency departments purely from enjoying time outdoors – particularly when sunburn is easily preventable,” Ms Glassenbury said.
“We want to encourage all Victorians to consider their access to shade, remember to regularly reapply sunscreen, keep their sunnies on, slip on covering clothes and don a wide brim hat this summer to keep themselves safe.
“It’s wonderful to be outdoors, enjoying our beautiful state and climate. However, time outdoors also means exposure to extreme levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that in the peak of summer can cause the first signs of sunburn in as little as 11 minutes without sun protection.”
Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at the Alfred Hospital, Professor Victoria Mar, said she hoped the numbers of Victorians experiencing extreme sunburn would start to fall in coming years.
“Year on year, too many young Victorians continue to risk their skin when enjoying time outdoors over summer,” Professor Mar said.
“Severe sunburn requires medical attention, and while we will always be available to treat symptoms like blistering, headache and nausea, we cannot undo the patient’s UV damage.
“UV damage during childhood and adolescence significantly increases a person’s lifetime risk of skin cancer.”
Someone who knows all too well the harms of UV damage is 33-year-old Sarah Sheridan.
Ms Sheridan describes herself as ‘solar powered’, someone who loves being outdoors. But these days you’ll find sunscreen stashed in every handbag, plus long-sleeved clothing, a hat and sunnies always within reach.
“I remember a horrific sunburn where my entire back blistered and peeled. I was even partial to a 10-pass solarium special deal when I was in my late teens to early 20s. But these days, it’s SPF 50+ every day.”
Ms Sheridan’s previous exposure to dangerous UV caught up with her.
“A few years ago I noticed a mole on my face changing shape. My GP suggested it be removed as a preventative measure. Then testing showed damage to my eyes – and my optometrist suggested I work hard to limit sun exposure.”
Ms Sheridan said getting older and becoming wiser to the damage caused by UV has led to significant shifts in her behaviour.
“If I could go back and tell myself to avoid getting so sunburnt often, and to get out of that sunbed, I’d do it in a second. But I can stop further damage to my skin, and look after it the best I can!”
Ms Glassenbury echoed Ms Sheridan’s sentiments and urged those heading outdoors to get prepared for sun exposure.
“Summer is a time for fun with friends and family. Let’s keep it that way and remember to stay SunSmart together,” she said.
“The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by using all five forms of sun protection. We want all Victorians to enjoy a sunburn-free summer and reduce their risk of skin cancer.”
For more information about SunSmart program visit sunsmart.com.au/protect-your-skin
