Cancer
Skin Cancer — Prevention
2025-09-06
Skin Cancer — Prevention
Australia has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
- More than two in three Australians will face a skin cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
- In 2024, there were 18,964 new melanoma cases and 1,340 deaths.
- By age 85, 1 in 14 men and 1 in 21 women will be diagnosed with melanoma.
- Some regions, like South-East Queensland, record melanoma rates nearly double the national average.
The good news: most skin cancers are preventable with consistent protection.
Summary
Protect your skin every day — with clothing, shade, and sunscreen — especially during peak UV hours.
Key Prevention Strategies
- Slip on clothing: Long sleeves, tightly woven fabrics.
- Slop on sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (or higher), applied generously and reapplied every 2 hours.
- Slap on a hat: Wide-brimmed for best coverage.
- Seek shade: Especially between 10am and 4pm, when UV radiation is strongest.
- Slide on sunglasses: Wraparound for maximum eye protection.
- Avoid tanning beds: Increases melanoma risk.
Daily Habits
- Check the UV index. In Australia, sun protection is recommended when the UV index is 3 or higher.
- Make sun protection part of your morning routine — even on cloudy days.
- Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
FAQs
Q: Isn’t sunscreen enough?
A: Sunscreen is important, but it should be combined with hats, clothing, and shade for best protection.
Q: Do I need sun protection in winter?
A: Yes, if the UV index is 3 or above. In many parts of Australia, that includes winter.
Q: Can kids use adult sunscreen?
A: Yes, most can. For babies under 6 months, focus on shade and clothing first.
References
Related Guides
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