Time to be sun smart

Only 18 per cent of Kiwis applied sunblock everyday during the warmer months. Photo / Warren Buckland

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand but a large number of Kiwis are still failing to be sun-smart in the summer months.

A survey conducted by the Southern Cross revealed 51 per cent of parents admitted their children had been sunburnt during the sunny months.

Over half of these children were sunburnt while at the beach or at a park. Southern Cross health society chief executive Peter Tynan said the statistics were a worry as New Zealand had some of the highest level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

"The Skin Cancer foundation say one blistering sunburn in the children adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma, so it pays to be extra careful, especially when dealing with young skin," he said.

The survey also showed parents were not only failing to apply sunblock on their children, they themselves weren't applying it on themselves.

Fifty-eight percent of New Zealanders were sunburnt at least once a year--increasing to 75 percent for those under 30. Only 18 per cent of Kiwis applied sunblock everyday during the warmer months.

Mr Tynan said this could be due to "myths about sunscreen causing cancer instead of preventing it".

The SunSmart website reminded Kiwis enjoying the sunshine this summer to:

Slip into a long-sleeved shirt and into the shade. Generally, fabrics with a tighter weave and darker colours will give you greater protection from the sun.

Slop on plenty of sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours. Reapply more frequently if sweating or swimming.

Slap on a hat with a wide-brim or a cap with flaps.

Wrap on a pair of close-fitting sunglasses.