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August 17, 2016AMA (NSW) Councillor, Clin A/Prof Saxon Smith, says people should not take advice from celebrity chefs when it comes to sunscreen use.
“Pete Evans has no idea what he’s talking about when it comes to sunscreen.
“Australia still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and for someone with such a high profile to be talking such rubbish is purely irresponsible,” Clin A/Prof Smith said.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this but sunscreen is not poisonous – it is potentially life-saving.
“When used, as directed, it will protect you from harmful UV rays that are proven to cause cancer and age the appearance of your skin.
“Just like anything else, it is not 100 per cent effective and doesn’t make you invincible.
“However, along with wearing protective clothes, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade at peak UV times, it is the best defence we have from skin cancer.
“This includes the most lethal kind of skin cancer, melanoma,” Clin A/Prof Smith said.
“I am a dermatologist working in Australia and that means I am removing skin cancers from people every day.
“Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in Australia, even though it is almost entirely avoidable.
“Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best ways you can avoid skin cancer,” Clin A/Prof Saxon Smith said.
“People should be wary of health advice coming from celebrities, especially when they say things that fly in the face of common sense.
“If you want good, evidenced-backed health advice, you should seek out your doctor.
“If you want to enjoy the many outdoor activities we are all able to because of Australia’s climate, remember to slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide,” Clin A/Prof Smith said.
Media contact: Lachlan Jones 0419 402 955