Sun tanning in Queensland is considered a high health and safety risk.  Sun tanning is a very real danger in Australia, particularly Queensland.  Getting that bronzed sun tan or any sun exposure is the direct cause of skin cancer.  “Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia₁”. And Queensland records the highest rates of melanoma in the world₂. In Australia our culture of sun worship, and the quest for that sunkissed bronze tan has led to a major health safety and danger risk. 

According to the Queensland Cancer Foundation “one in two Australians develops some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. This is the highest rate in the world. In Queensland, roughly one person in 19 will get a melanoma in their lifetime. Around 2500 Queenslanders develop melanoma each year₃.”  The health and safety dangers of the search for that perfect tan are well known.  So how do we reduce the danger from sun tanning and can we tan safely?  According to the Queensland Cancer Foundation₃ to reduce your health and safety risk and to protect yourself against the danger of skin cancer, there are a few preventative steps you can follow.

Sun Safe Tips

1. Reduce your sunlight exposure, especially in the peak ultraviolet radiation (UVR) hours of 10am to 3pm.
2. Find some shade, or create your own with an umbrella.
3. Slip on some protective clothing.
4. Slap on a broad brimmed hat, or one that covers your neck and shoulders.
5. Slop on a good layer of broad-spectrum water-resistant
6. SPF30+ sunscreen. Remember to reapply frequently if outdoors.
7. Protect your eyes with close fitting sunglasses.
8. Avoid getting a suntan, using a solarium or getting sunburnt.

In light of the research and recommendations of The Queensland Cancer Foundation the only safe way to tan is to use a fake or spray tan such as Aruba Tan. Never, ever suntan or use a solarium.  It is dangerous and the risk of developing skin cancer in Australia is just too high.  The sun also has an aging effect on your body.  You and your skin deserves better!  Such as an Aruba Spray Tan ….. Love your body!  

1.  Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and Australasian Association of Cancer Registries (AACR) 2003, Cancer in Australia 2001, cat. no. CAN 23, AIHW, Canberra.
2. Parkin DM, Whelan SL, Ferlay J, Teppo L, Thomas DB. Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Vol VIII, Lyon, IARC, IARC Publication No 155.)
3. Queensland Cancer Foundation website, accessed 10^th November 2007. http://www.cancerqld.org.au/pdf/Understandingsunspotsandskincancer.pdf