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Being SunSmart in Hong Kong is crucial. The unique environment makes our population particularly vulnerable to damaging ultraviolet rays. Factors such as the clear skies, the direct impact of the sun, our outdoor lifestyle etc., all contribute to an increased risk of skin cancer.
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| Please click HERE to visit our SunSmart Skin Cancer Awareness website. |
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Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the top 10 cancers in Hong Kong. The latest statistics show that 569 new cases were registered in 2005 (Hong Kong Cancer Registry).
Skin cancer is caused by UV radiation from the sun. The greater your exposure, the higher your risk. Most skin cancers can be prevented by protecting ourselves from the sun's UV rays.
Sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer.
SunSmart's 'Slip, Slop, Slap' behaviour would prevent up to 80% of skin cancers, if practiced properly
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| SLIP on a T-shirt |
| SLOP on sunscreen |
| SLAP on a hat |
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Being SunSmart is about practising sun safety behaviours in order to protect ourselves from the sun's ultraviolet rays. |
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Slip on a T-shirt
¡E Protect your body and arms. Stay in the shade, especially between 11am and 4pm when the sun's UV rays are the strongest. Don't forget additional forms of sun protection such as sunglasses and stay in the shade if you can. |
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Slop on sunscreen
¡E Apply sunscreen generously 15-30 minutes before you go outside and reapply often
¡E Use a high factor (SPF 30+) sunscreen |
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Slap on a hat
¡E Always wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside. |
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Guide on how to use sunscreens properly:
¡E Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun
¡E Apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin and rub in carefully
¡E Use generous amounts of sunscreen
¡E Re-apply at least every 2 hours, or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off
¡E Remember to put on sunscreen before make-up, moisturizer, insect repellent etc.
¡E Do not store sunscreen in very hot places as extreme heat can ruin their protective chemicals.
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UV is not cool |
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Ultraviolet radiation is what makes our skin burn and it's especially harsh in Hong Kong.Use the shade whenever you can. |
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Lay it on thick |
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If you are outdoors between the danger hours of 11am and 4pm, make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen ¡V apply it thickly, evenly and often. |
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Size does count |
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The numbers on your sunscreen tell you how much protection the sunscreen gives you, the bigger the number, the more protection. Hong Kong Cancer Fund recommends SPF30+. |
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Ban the tan |
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When your skin gets darker it's a sign the sun has damaged it. There's no such thing as a safe tan. |
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Don't cloud the issue |
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Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation is all around and you can still burn. Light cloud in a blue sky can make sunburn worse as the UV radiation reflects off the clouds. Continue to protect yourself against the sun on a cloudy day. |
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Shady behaviour is encouraged |
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Plant trees, put up umbrellas, build shade structures. Stay in the shade and stay protected. |
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Cover-up provides protection |
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If you go for a swim, make sure you reapply your sunscreen afterwards and cover up to remain protected. |
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Use your head ¡V wear a hat |
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Don't be a dumb nut when you're outside. Always wear a hat with a big brim¡K don't forget your neck can get burnt too. |
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Sunglasses complements any outfit |
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Too much sunlight can damage both the eyes themselves and the skin around them. A close fitting, preferably wrap-around style of sunglasses is best. |
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