The Australian sun is among the harshest in the world and as a result we also have one of the highest incidences of skin cancer globally*. This summer, the SunSense UV Photobus will measure Australian’s SunSensibility by travelling our sunburnt country to uncover the hidden UV skin damage invisible to the naked eye.
Two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70* and it’s this staggering statistic that has led to the launch of the SunSensibility UV Photobus. SunSense is urging all Australians to take part and find out their own SunSensibility score as a first step in protection from hidden UV damage. The UV photograph which is taken by a specialist team of SunSense skincare consultants using the latest UV technology, highlights existing sun spots, pigmentation, freckles and moles.
The technology of the UV camera penetrates the skin deeply determining the existing underlying damage to the skin which is then assessed to produce a UV percentile score (scores are ranked out of 100 and compared with the participant’s gender group, age and skin type.)
SunSense, who boast the highest level of UV protection in Australia**, will offer the UV consultation service free to all Australians over the age of 16 and aim to encourage people to take real preventative skincare action before it is too late. It will travel to 19 metro and regional locations, starting at iconic Bondi Beach on 19 October. Other tour locations include; Cronulla, Manly, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Noosa, Surfer’s Paradise, Brisbane, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Melbourne.
“Although our skin has its own natural defence mechanism, it is not enough to prevent the sun’s rays from causing skin damage. Sun burn can occur in as little as 10 minutes. The UV camera technology we have on the Photobus will reveal the damage the sun may have already done. Our expert skincare team at SunSense will provide this important service to Australians in the hope that, with each image shot and each SunSensibility score collected, we can understand the extent of the sun damage we have as a nation.” says Dr Kerryn Greive PhD, Ego Pharmaceuticals.
Catriona Rowntree, TV favourite and SunSensibility campaign ambassador explains, “I was a little shocked to see the results of my UV Image – my SunSensibility score is 61 (out of a possible 100). Sure, I've spent virtually every day outdoors growing up in Australia and travelling for work, but I thought because I'd worn a daily SPF on my face for 20 years I'd be fine. Nope, you can never be too careful… and it goes to show that SPF in makeup just isn’t enough to prevent premature ageing and potential skin cancers. The campaign definitely acts as an important wake-up call to us all.”
For more information on the SunSense UV Photobus dates, locations and how to get involved visit, www.sunsense.com.au
SOURCE:
* Cancer Council of Victoria. Facts and stats at a glance [online]. 2011 [cited 21 July 2011] Available from URL:
www.sunsmart.com.au/about_us/facts_and_stats_at_a_glance
** AS/NZS 2604:1998; Very High, SPF 30+, Broad Spectrum