News

01 Dec 2008
First day of summer brings grim reminder of dangers of UV exposure
Press Release

Suncorp and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) are using the first day of summer (Monday, 1 December) to issue a timely warning to Queenslanders to practise sun safe behaviours despite the prediction of storms and rain in the coming months.

The warning to Queenslanders to be sun-ready is part of the Suncorp SunWise Campaign designed to educate the Queensland community on the dangers of skin cancer and to raise funds for vital research.


Suncorp Group Executive Banking David Foster said educating the community is important because Queensland is the skin cancer capital of the world.


"Most sun damage occurs from incidental exposure during day-to-day activities, not at the beach. Bad weather offers no refuge. Even on cool or overcast days, dangerous Ultraviolet rays travel through clouds," Mr Foster said.


"There are five key grim facts^ about skin cancer all Queenslanders must be aware of:

- In 2009 a predicted 2,000 melanomas will be diagnosed in Queensland alone
- Two out of three Queenslanders are affected by skin cancer in their lifetime
- An average of 210 Queenslanders die from skin cancer each year
- UV burn time in summer is just six minutes
- Skin cancers account for 80% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia every year.

"There is so much we can do at home and as a community to counteract these statistics. Suncorp encourages Queenslanders to do their part in the fight against skin cancer by following the Suncorp SunWise tips - Avoid, Protect and Check*."

Suncorp works with the QIMR, various Councils and media outlets in an ongoing quest to promote prevention programs and urge Queenslanders to change bad habits when it comes to sun safety. Suncorp has been a major sponsor of the skin cancer research laboratories at Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) since 2004 and has raised more than $1 million to help make significant discoveries in the fight against skin cancer.

For more information on the Suncorp SunWise campaign visit www.suncorp.com.au/sunwise.


Media contact: Sabrina De Palma, Sequel Communications (07) 3251 8142 or 0403 090 911
^ Provided by QIMR

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01 Dec 2008
First day of summer brings grim reminder of dangers of UV exposure
Suncorp and the QIMR are using the first day of summer to issue a timely warning to Queenslander to practise sun safe behaviours despite the prediction of storms and rain in the coming months.
Lady wareing a hat
How long does it
take to burn?
You only need to be outside for 6 minutes before you do permanent damage to your skin in summer.
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