As we welcome the new year, we need to remember that this period is a crucial time to be SunSmart. In Australia, we’re exposed to some of the harshest and most dangerous levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world, and need to protect ourselves properly to avoid sunburn, heatstroke and skin cancer.

Always remember to:

• Slip – on clothing that creates a barrier between you and the sun.
• Slop – on SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
• Slap – on a wide brim, bucket or legionnaire hat, that covers as much of your face and skin as possible.
• Seek – shade wherever possible. Sitting under a tree, finding an umbrella or shade structure is a great way to protect your skin.
• Slide – on a pair of sunglasses that are large enough to fully cover your eyes and can provide sun protection from all angles.

Also remember to check the daily UV index rating, which can be found on the SunSmart website and app. UV radiation is the most dangerous form of energy as it causes sunburn, cell damage and skin cancer. The fact that we cannot see it or feel it means we should be especially cautious and always check the UV index daily.

 

As 2024 comes to a close, the team at Ballarat Skin Cancer Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our lovely patients and their families for another wonderful year.

It has been a pleasure caring for all our patients, and we look forward to seeing what exciting things 2025 brings.

We would like to wish everyone a very safe and festive Christmas and New Year, and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!

 

Sincerely,

The team at Ballarat Skin Cancer Centre. 

The Ballarat Surgicentre took part in the October event with staff and  patients sporting colourful bandannas in different ways, all in aid of raising money for Children and Young Adults affected by Cancer.

The total of $271 was raised so thank you to everyone who took part.

We look forward to taking part in 2025!

Cancer Council and the Australian Government are urging tradies to protect themselves against the sun as new data from YouGov reveals they aren’t being SunSmart on the job. This is despite receiving between five and ten times the UV exposure of indoor workers.

This free SunSmart Tradie Toolbox has been developed for:

• Employers or site managers to easily downloaded and displayed next to safety signage across job sites.
• Tradespeople to refer to before they head on to job sites and throughout the day

Sun exposure can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the skin and eyes. Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the leading cause of skin cancer in Australia.

Despite spending a lot of time outdoors, not all tradies are using all five forms of sun protection – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. Results from YouGov’s consumer survey show that nearly a quarter (24%) rarely wear sunscreen during the summer months and almost half (46%) rarely applying it during winter months. Yet, almost six in 10 (58%) Aussie tradies know colleagues in the industry who have had skin cancer

https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/campaigns-and-events/sunsmart-tradie-toolbox/assessment-tool

Cancer Councils annual Daffodil Day this year is Thursday, 22nd August. This is Cancer Councils most iconic and much-loved fundraising campaign but you can get involved and help support this special day any time throughout the month of August. Almost 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, so it takes all of us to give hope for better treatments and better outcomes. In 2023, Australians gave a bunch for Daffodil Day, raising $2.5 million towards lifesaving cancer research. By donating to Daffodil Day this year you’re helping to create change for people affected by cancer.

Fundraise for Daffodil Day at Cancer Council www.daffodilday.com.au/fundraising

 

For the month of June, the Ballarat Skin Cancer Centre was proud to participate in the Bowel Cancer Awareness event by promoting healthy eating and swapping to fibre rich foods.

Bowel Cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer. The recommendations for Australian adult fibre levels are 25 grams per day for women and 30 grams per day for men.

By eating a combination of wholegrains, beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables and avoiding highly processed foods, you can increase your fibre intake.

Staff and patients raised $86.05 by purchasing the $2 Red Apple ribbons on Red Apple Day – June 19.

Visit the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating for serving sizes, food groups and high fibre recipe meals at bowelcanceraustralia.org   

Get to know your skin

Get to know your skin

 

The Ballarat Surgicentre team have raised $537.00 in support of the Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – 2024.

Staff competed in the Great Surgicentre Bake off. Competition was fierce and we certainly enjoyed devouring the competition entries.

Thank you to our patients who have also supported our fundraising efforts for this worthy cause.

 

UV levels can be more intense in the snow for two reasons:

1. The atmosphere is thinner at high altitudes and absorbs less UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation intensity increases by about 10–12% for every 1000 metres of altitude.
2. Snow is highly reflective. On a sunny day, clean fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation. This means you can be exposed to almost a double dose of UV – directly from the sun and bouncing off snow-covered surfaces.

UV radiation from the sun – not heat – is the main cause of damage increasing your skin cancer risk.