
Preventative Tips, Sun Safety
Ultra-violet or UV rays are definitely the bad guys of the radiation family. Unlike sunlight (which you can see and are warm) and infrared rays (which are warm), UV rays can’t be felt or seen – which makes them even more dangerous. In fact, most skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation.
In New Zealand, UV radiation levels are especially high during the ‘daylight savings months’ (September to April), so it’s important to be really vigilant during these months. Even when it’s cool or cloudy outside, you can still get sunburnt – clouds won’t protect you from UV rays.
There are three types of UV radiation from the sun – UVA, UVB and UVC – and all can cause damage to both skin and eyes:
UV radiation levels fluctuate constantly – they’re affected by the time of day and year, the amount of cloud cover, the altitude, reflection (off water, snow or ice) and your location.
Niwa has handy graphs that predict and measure UVI at several sites around New Zealand here. The measurements include forecast cloud effects and are updated every 15 minutes.
Did you know?
In New Zealand, we not only have some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, it’s no coincidence that we also have the world’s highest rate of melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.1,2 In fact, seven people a day are diagnosed with melanoma in New Zealand and nearly 500 Kiwis die from skin cancer every year.3,4
The good news is that most skin cancers, including melanoma, are preventable by simply reducing your exposure to harmful UV rays. Here’s how:
Above: Don't forget too put on your sunscreen especially between 10am-4pm
Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap, wrap … app and map.
Always protect your skin and eyes between at least 10am and 4pm during the ‘daylight saving months’, especially if you’re in the mountains, around snow and ice, or out on the water. And don’t forget to follow the SunSmart guidelines:
And we’ve added two more vital points to Sunsmart’s advice. Don’t forget to…
References: 1. Niwa.co.nz “Where on Earth has the highest UV? Liley & McKenzie. 2. Sunsmart.org.nz/learn-more/uv-radiation. 3. Health Promotion Agency and the Melanoma Network of New Zealand (MelNet) 2017: New Zealand Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2017 to 2022. 4. MOH, 2017. Cancer: New Registrations and Deaths 2015.
Note: This quick questionnaire is designed to give you an idea of your personal skin cancer risk factors.
It isn’t intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis – please contact us if you have any questions about your skin cancer risk.
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