Sun Safety

Your Skin Your skin can be divided into two layers. The outer layer is known as the epidermis and the inner layer is called the dermis. Your dermis is a tough, elastic structure that contains the roots of your hairs, glands that produce sweat and oil, blood and nerves. Your epidermis is made up of cells containing keratin- a substance that resists heat and chemicals epidermis dermis

Your Skin Your skin’s pigment cells give your skin its colour and are located in the growth layer of the epidermis. They produce a pigment called melanin, which is able to absorb damaging ultraviolet rays. Unfortunately a large majority of Australians are unable to produce enough pigment to protect themselves against harmful U-V Rays. Activity: Complete True or False Worksheet

*Skin Cancer* Skin Cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the growth layer of your epidermis. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. This disease affects all age groups from adolescence upward. Research has found that if unless you become sun smart, two out of three people sitting in your classroom will develop skin cancer in the future (Davies, Hamilton & Bastone 2000).

Types of Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Usually appears on your face Round or flattened lump, red, pale or pearly colour and may have blood vessels on the surface. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Appears on areas of skin most exposed to the sun Scaly, red areas which may bleed easily Melanoma: Can appear everywhere on the body A change in freckle or mole or the appearance of a new spot- can change shape and colour.

*Signs and Symptoms* Skin cancers are easy to see and as soon as you, your friend or parent’s see one it best to have it checked out by the doctor as a precaution. The signs to look out for are: A crusty non healing sore A small lump that is red and or pale A new spot or freckle that can change shape or colour

*High Risk People* Everyone is at risk of skin cancer, including those who tan quickly the following people are most at risk: Fair skin who burn easily With fair or red hair Live in a hot climate Who spend a lot of time outdoors Don’t protect their skin

Risky Business Activity Draw the table below in your workbooks and in groups of 2 discuss each activity and complete the table Activity People Affected (list people affected) Sun Burn Risk (High, Medium, Low) Ways to minimise the risk Golf Both genders; adolescents adults High Play early in the morning or late in the afternoon Watching the Cricket at the MCG (partly shady) Swimming Working Outdoors Capture the Flag at School

SunSmart To Reduce your risk of skin cancer, the Anti Cancer Council suggests that you follow the SunSmart guidelines: Avoid the sun in the middle of the day Wear protective clothing (wide brimmed hat/ long sleeve top with collar and long pants Use very high protection sunscreen 30+ Re apply sunscreen after swimming or during long periods of sun Wear sunglasses Go back to your list of positive and negative sun safety ideas and add these to your positive list

Dear 16 Year Old Me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4jgUcxMezM Watch the Clip above and answer the following questions: Does melanoma stay in the skin or can it spread? What was the average age that the people in the clip diagnosed with melanoma? What is the message behind this clip? What does this make you want to do after watching the clip?