The SunSense UV Photobus will hit Australian roads this summer bringing free UV analyses and a team of skincare consultants to communities all over the country. With one Aussie every eight hours dying from skin cancer1 and diagnosis occurring almost each and every minute of the day2/3, further education on the dangers of hidden UV damage is critically needed.

The SunSense SunSensibility initiative is a community health project now in its second year. The UV Photobus is a mobile skin analysis centre that will travel the country providing free UV skin analyses and personalised sun protection advice.

The aim of the programme is to help reveal the nation’s hidden UV damage that is invisible to the naked eye in a bid to make us all more aware of the importance of good sun protection habits for life. The reality is, we need to start education as early as possible as melanoma is the most prevalent cancer in young Australian’s aged 15-29 years.

“As Aussies we regularly hear about UV damage, premature ageing and skin cancer but this isn’t resulting in action and the statistics speak for themselves - 384,342 Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, that’s over 1000 people every day2. As a nation we have the highest number of melanoma cases in the world and this is why we hope the SunSense UV Photobus will help get Australian heads out of the sand and thinking more seriously about day to day protection and skin related illnesses.” says Dr Kerryn Greive PhD, Head of Research and Development, Ego Pharmaceuticals.

SunSensibility ambassador and TV commentator, Carrie Bickmore will launch the SunSense initiative in Sydney on October 9 and talk of her personal experience with UV damage. “To say that I was shocked when I saw my UV analysis is an understatement. My score was 42 out of 100 and well below the average. Growing up in the sun, using limited sun protection, and now seeing the cumulative damage as a result, it has certainly hit home that I need to be more vigilant with both myself and my son. I strongly encourage everyone to get their skin checked by a SunSense consultant when the bus arrives in your community. It’s available to everyone for free.” says Carrie.

Leading Dermatologist, Dr Phillip Artemi adds: “Serious skin damage is fast becoming a detrimental by-product of living under some of the world’s strongest UV rays. 80% of lifetime sun exposure can occur before the age of 18, so vigilant sun protection habits, taught from an early age are essential in curbing the statistics. Each of us has a responsibility to ourselves and our families to take better care of our skin.”

The Photobus tour and its team of SunSense skin consultants will travel to 21 metro and regional locations across QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and WA from 9th October until 5th December.

Important Notes

SunSense is a supporter of SPF 50+ in Australia.

SunSensibility scores are a percentile ranking out of 100 for each individual / participant, compared with a sample of people of the same gender, age group and skin type as the participant / individual.

SunSense is available from leading pharmacies and Priceline outlets nationwide.

When using SunSense Sunscreens, always read the label and use only as directed. It is important to avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear.

For more information on SunSense’s SunSensibility Campaign & UV Photobus, visit www.sunsense.com.au