App aims to combat skin cancer

We know the drill: slip, slop, slap.

But perhaps it should be rephrased "slip, slop, app" as worried Cancer Council chiefs turn to smartphones to educate the nation's sun worshippers.

Despite widespread education campaigns costing millions, Australia's skin cancer rates remain among the highest in the world with about one million GP consultations each year and a growing death toll which hit 2000 in 2011.

A quick scan of any popular beach often reveals frolickers of all ages lurching about like overboiled lobsters or those with skin like shrivelled old walnuts.

But young people are among the worst sun dodgers, according to the Cancer Council Queensland.

It cited the latest National Sun Protection Survey which revealed one in five adolescents admit getting sunburnt on summer weekends - while only one in five admit using three or more sun protection measures.

With summer in the offing, the Cancer Council hopes its SunSmart app will play a key role in reducing skin cancer rates.

"Young Aussies use apps to keep them on track with their health and fitness - we hope our SunSmart app can be used successfully in the same way," said Cancer Council Queensland spokesman, Katie Clift.

The free app, on Android and iPhone, has been downloaded 80,000 times since it was launched and appears to be a sensible way to reach Australians, who have one the highest smartphone ownership rates in the world.

It works by tracking UV rays across the country and alerting users when they do or do not need sun protection.

The Cancer Council has also launched a second app called iHeard to try and dispel some cancer myths.

The effectiveness of SunSmart app will be discussed at the Global Controversies and Advances in Skin Cancer Conference in Brisbane from November 21-24.

The conference is a forum for international, cutting-edge debate about the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and survivorship for all types of skin cancer.