As the mercury soars in Mildura and the Sunraysia region this week, there are extra measures we need to take (other than slapping on sunscreen before a swim), to protect ourselves from damaging sun exposure.

According to the Cancer Council, sunscreen should be considered the last line of defence when it comes to sun protection, with no sunscreen blocking out 100% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. The main cause is the sun’s UV, with too much exposure also causing premature ageing and eye damage.

Many people only wear sunscreen and sun protection on hot days, but the reality is, a higher level of protection is needed far more often.

Almost 2000 people lose their lives to skin cancer every year in Australia, with two in three people diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach the age of 70.

However Cancer Council says it is never too late to take preventative measures to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

This includes to Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on SPF30 or higher sunscreen, Slap on a broadbrimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses with a rating of category two or higher.

Some common sun protection misconceptions that Cancer Council has quashed include:

FICTION – You don’t need sunscreen when wearing make-up containing an SPF. FACT – Unless the product offers a SPF30 or above, sunscreen should be applied under your makeup.

FICTION - Sun damage is not possible on cloudy or cool days. FACT – You can get sunburnt even if there is no sun given the UV level can be as high on a cool day as a blistering hot one.

FICTION – The higher the SPF in your sunscreen, the longer you can stay out in the sun. FACT –SPF50+ sunscreens filter about 98% of UV radiation in contrast to 96.7% for SPF30+, only a slight difference in protection.

It is recommended SPF30 and above should be applied before heading outdoors and then every two hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying.