Forgetting to slip, slop and slap? More Aussies are ending up in the emergency ward with sunburn 

Despite all the research, warnings and campaigns reminding Australians of the woes of sunburn, an increasing amount of people are winding up in the emergency ward.

Aussies have been heading to hospitals as a result of sunburn, with more than 350 Queenslanders requiring medical treatment for their skin in 2017.

These statistics are the highest in years, particularly in adults under the age of 30, according to the Courier Mail.

As a result, melanoma rose to the most common form of deadly cancer for those aged between 20 and 39

Queensland Health director Kaye Pulsford said the number of visits citizens of the Sunshine State were making to the emergency room for sunburn had doubled since 2014. 

As a result, melanoma rose to the most common form of deadly cancer for those aged between 20 and 39.

‘These statistics are extremely concerning given the rates of melanoma are 40 per cent higher in Queensland compared with the national average,’ Ms Pulsford said.

Exposure to the sun contributes to nearly all of the 328,000 melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer diagnoses in Queensland each year

Statistics show more than half of the state’s adult population reported they had sunburn at least once last year, along with 60 per cent of children.

Queensland Cancer Council CEO Chris McMillan reminded the public sunburn still occurs in winter, and complacency could be dangerous.   

‘There is no link between temperature and the UV index. In Queensland, UV levels can remain high, despite temperatures decreasing through winter,’ Ms McMillan said.

Exposure to the sun contributes to nearly all of the 328,000 melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer diagnoses in Queensland each year.  

While sunburn increases the risk, any exposure to the sun can develop cancer cells.   

Statistics show more than half of the state’s adult population reported they had sunburn at least once last year, along with 60 per cent of children